Surfrider Foundation Rincón Chapter Updates Blog

Mark your Calendars! Environmental Benefit Dinner 12.17.2011

2011-12-08T13:14:00.001-08:00

Next Saturday (12/17) from 5 to 9 at the Balneario! There will be great food including a pig roast! All proceeds will benefit the various programs the local chapter of the Surfrider Foundation is working on.

A 5K Dolphinfish

2011-11-18T14:14:00.001-08:00

This is the largest dolphinfish to be tagged with a satellite tag and first ever off of San Juan, PR (photo:Wessley Merten)

On Thursday, November 17th, 2011, at 1:10 pm, the Dolphinfish Research Program achieved another milestone and continued to fulfill its research objectives by successfully tagging and releasing a 51.5" (~45 lb.) male dolphinfish approximately 19.5 miles NNW off of San Juan with a satellite pop-off tag (PSAT). This is the 12th tag to be deployed on a dolphinfish in the western north Atlantic and the 1st ever off of San Juan, PR; this is the second dolphinfish to be tagged off of Puerto Rico. This milestone was only achieved through the dedication and assistance of Captain Manuel Botello, Irvin Baez, and Alexis Alfalla, local sport and recreational fishermen, who have been participating in the program on the island since 2008. Click here to read more about the importance of this research and what researchers hope to discover by deploying a 5 thousand dollar instrument on this fish.

Going Snorkeling? Check your sunscreen label first!

2011-11-06T18:23:00.000-08:00

Coral bleaching linked to sunscreen chemicals:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2291012/

Mineral sunblock tends to protect better, is gentler on skin as well as the environment. There are even "reef safe" formulas now designed to protect the habitats we love to enjoy while in the sun.

Check the Evironmental Working Group's site for a full list of eco-conscious sunscreens, updated yearly.

Get Meaningful Stuff Done while on the Computer

2011-09-20T10:09:00.000-07:00

We all love the computer. Facebook, cool websites, shows, movies...anything we want is instantly brought in front of our eyes just with a few clicks and taps on the keyboard.

Well here's a way to help the environment, sea turtles, and the island of Puerto Rico, all in the comfort of your own home.

Sign this petition: Protejamos nuestra vida marina y nuestra economia!
** We protect our marine life and our economy!!

It takes 8 seconds, and makes a difference to have a collective voice demanding care and consideration for our oceans.
Las bolsas plásticas son responsables de la muerte de más de 100,000 animales marinos cada año, incluyendo delfines, ballenas y tortugas.

Las bolsas también representan un gasto económico enorme a los comercios, los cuales tienen que pasar los costos a los consumidores.

Plastic Bags are responsible for the death of more than 100,000 marine animals every year. This includes dolphins, whales, and turtles.

Plastic Bags also represent an enormous economic comercial loss, which means the loss is passed on to consumers. Like you!

For more information, check out the Campus Verde website. There have a lot of good information posted about programs such as recycling in your area as well as island events in support of conservation and environmental programs.

As always, use www.translate.google.com for help with Spanish translations.

Enjoy your day! Please pass this petition on to your friends! Use e-mail, Facebook, and Twitter! The more support, the better.

Mahi-Mahi; when it's not on your plate!

2011-08-23T13:23:00.000-07:00

Click here to see what Mahi are doing when they are not on your plate. Enjoy!

Rincon Chapter Updates

2011-08-08T05:47:00.000-07:00

Hello Rincon!
I'd like to share all of the chapter updates from Thursday's meeting. Remember, Surfrider meets at the marina over by Joe's Bar in Club Nautico on the first Thursday of every month. Anyone can come, bring your pets if you'd like, and yes...there's beer!

Down to business:
1. The Fundacion Surfrider Rincon would like to send out a huge "Thank You" to Andrew, our intern that was helping out the chapter last month. His organization skills and help at the clean up were greatly appreciated

2. Our summer time beach clean up was a success! Check out the photos on our Facebook Page
We had a lot of new faces helping the Surfrider team collect trash and debris not only on the beach, but out on the reef.

3. We're planning a big fundraiser...could it be a block party? Keep checking for updates.

4. International Coastal Clean Day is September 17th, 2011. We'll pick a beach to set up our station and spend the rest of the morning collecting trash from our beaches and documenting what we've found. The usual suspects: straws, cups, cigerette butts...
Please join us on this big day where thousands of people around the world will also try to make a difference for the places they love, the ocean and beaches.

5. The World Tour of Body Boarding is coming to Middles in Isabela this season, from the 1st-13th of November. We're planning on participating with inspiration from the work we did at the Rip Curl Pro Search last year. An excellent opportunity to spread awareness to a vast group of people

6. Wess, the previous chapter chair, just received the grant for Marine Debris Removal from NOAA! This is big news for change on the reefs that surround Puerto Rico. Him and a team of volunteers including local businesses are planning to remove parts of a shipwreck on coral on the coast of Cabo Rojo. As part of this grant, we'll be working on a program to re-establish trash and recycling programs on land, so more garbage does not end up in the sea.

This is very big news for Rincon, seeing as I've been spying just a bit too much garbage around. We all have the power to change our surroundings, please join us in the mission to keep things clean, pristine, and better than when we found it.

That's it! Lots of great things to come and more positive work for the environment. Thank you to all of the volunteers and people out there who try to make a difference each day.

Surf Girls in Rincon, PR

2011-05-19T19:53:00.000-07:00

This is from way back in late October/November when all the pros were in PR for the Rip Curl Pro 2010. However, the second clip has just been added to the Volcom site and I just had to share it with you all.

Can anyone recognize the popular bar these girls are enjoying their soda at??

Rincon Wave Buoy

2011-05-19T19:47:00.000-07:00

Rincon, PR Wave Buoy

Click on this link to read charts of local wave conditions and sea surface temperature, updating every 30 minutes.

Haga clic en este enlace para leer las cartas de las condiciones locales de onda y la temperatura superficial del mar, la actualización cada 30 minutos.

Volunteer Event June 4th!

2011-05-19T19:25:00.000-07:00

We're putting on a land clean up of sorts...with the understanding that everything eventually ends up in the ocean. Rincon needs some t.l.c. (Tender Loving Care) and it is our duty as residents of the town to take responsibility for the ridiculous amount of trash that is mounting up on the sides of roads, in river banks, and along the beaches. Everyone knows how beautiful Rincon is...lets try to keep it that way!

So, June 4th, Saturday morning, 8 am, rise and shine with the Surfrider crew and meet us at the balneario (public beach) for a meeting. We'll then move into teams and cover 4 main areas of Rincon that need our help:

1) behind Econo, the local grocery store
2) Around Edward's grocery store into the Stella Area, there is a watershed there, leading to the sea
3) Near Maria's beach right over the little bridge before heading up 413
4) The area on rt. 429 by the Rincon Ocean Villa

Any volunteers would be greatly appreciated. We have trash bags and trash picker-uppers! Please wear sneakers as I've noticed there is a lot of broken glass around lately.

Así, 04 de junio, la mañana del sábado, 8 de la mañana, levantarse y brillar con el equipo de Surfrider a conocernos en el balneario (playa pública) para una reunión.A continuación, voy a pasar a los equipos y cubrir cuatro áreas principales de Rincón que necesitan nuestra ayuda:

1. Detrás de Econo
2. Alrededor Edward's Co-Op en la barrio de Stella, es un hito que, lo que lleva al mar
3. Cerca de la playa de María la derecha por el puente poco antes de la partida hasta 413
4. Cerca la playa y carr. 429

Cualquier voluntarios sería muy apreciada. Tenemos bolsas de basura y parte superior de la basura-selector! Por favor, use zapatillas de deporte que he notado que hay un montón de cristales rotos alrededor de los últimos tiempos.

Local Volunteer Event

2011-05-17T09:38:00.000-07:00

Hello All Surfrider enthusiasts!
This isn't a Surfrider event per say...but everyone loves a clean beach right?
I figured I'd post about other activists interested in the environment for others to get involved and perhaps feel inspired.

There's a beach clean up scheduled for May 21st, 8 am to noon, in Aguada, our neighbor beach town.
Gloves, water, bags and other items will be provided.

The area from Olajas Bar and Grill to Plazita de Cruz de Colón, along the beach and the street.

This clean up is organized and sponsored by the Escuela de Bomba (Bomba Dancing School) de Mayaguez.

Come out and clean up a beautiful beach!
All the help is much appreciated.

Cars from Bananas and Pineapples

2011-03-31T08:44:00.001-07:00

Hey Puerto Rico, this could be your next big thing...

With all of the guineos y pina around, this could work. Cars made from fruit!

Fiesta para la Reserva Marina Tres Palmas

2011-03-30T06:31:00.000-07:00

Tres Palmas Marine Reserve Party!
April 6th!
We love the ocean and we love to party!

Free Food (Get there early, 7 pm) Drum Bums jamm'n tunes, raffles, prizes, and fun.

Rum Shack, Wednesday, April 6th at 7 pm.

All proceeds go directly towards the non-profit organization (NGO) that helps keep Tres Palmas clean, helps with outreach and education, and new conservation activities in the reserve.

Me Encanta Puerto Rico

2011-03-30T06:24:00.000-07:00

Protect what you love.

Check out more updates on the Surfrider Rincon Facebook Page: Fundacion Surfrider Rincon

2011-03-30T06:16:00.000-07:00

The Volcom Girl's Surf Team in Puerto Rico! Can you spot where they're at?

Chapter Updates

2011-03-30T06:03:00.000-07:00

Our March 11th party was a success! Thank you & Gracias to all of the wonderful people who came out to the Rumshack to support our local Surfrider Chapter. According to our records, this event was the second best of all time in terms of donations received! How amazing and generous Rincon is!

The Supertones rocked it and we earned lots of cash with our raffles and 50/50 gamble. I myself had a blast hanging out with members, locals, and tourists alike. Everyone seemed to come together in positivity for a good cause & it felt great.

Just so you know, all money collected goes to our own local chapter. We currently use this money to fund projects such as water quality testing & event planning. Have ideas you'd like to share with us? Come on down to our monthly meeting, next Thursday April 7th @ 7 pm, in the pavilion located next to Club Nautico and Joe's Bar. Our office is on the second level, but we usually meet downstairs to drink a few brews and talk about upcoming plans & general love of the ocean.

Thanks again for the continued support.

March 11th Fundraiser

2011-02-25T12:53:00.000-08:00

Surfrider Fundraiser March 11th @ The Rum Shack!

2011-02-21T09:29:00.000-08:00

The Supertones! Great Band with old school surf music that will rock your socks off.

Who: Surfrider volunteers & The Supertones performing + You and all your friends
What: A party and fundraiser for the ocean we love & surf in
When: March 11th 7-11 pm
Where: The Rum Shack en Puntas, Rincon, PR.
Why: Because who doesn't love a party??

We have complimentary "happy hour" buffet. Raffles, prizes, music, friends, fun, tropical breezes, surf photo slide shows on the big screen, and of course, the swimming pool at the Rum Shack...always a good time.

$5.00 suggested donation. We'd love to see you there!!

Rip Curl Planet Interview

2011-02-21T09:05:00.000-08:00

Your local Surfrider chapter worked with Rip Curl and their environmental program entitled "Rip Curl Planet" at this year's Rip Curl Pro Search 2010 in Isabela, Puerto Rico. What an opportunity to work with a huge sponsor for something local. We tried our hardest to ensure that the dunes of middles beach were protected from people standing on them and smashing the vegetation that keeps the sand in place. As they say, "no dunes, no beach," and we love our beach!

Here is a follow up on Rip Curl Planet and the work they're continuing around the globe to ensure sustainability through their company. I find it interesting that outside sources are investigating what exactly companies plan to do to help. As you may or may not have heard, there is a bit of "green-washing" happening that can mislead consumers into purchasing things with hopes to benefit the planet in some way...and yet that doesn't always happen. Speaking of which, if you'd like to do your own detective work on the "green-ness" of your favorite companies or products, check out www.greenopia.com.

I think this interviewer, Howard, as it states, did a great job of asking specific questions regarding Rip Curl Planet's plans, ideals, and products. See for yourself: Rip Curl Sustainability Interview.

I found this article through an excellent website that I visit often, the Greener Blue.

Beach Clean Up at Parking lots and the case of the straw devils.

2011-02-20T14:32:00.000-08:00

The gang at last weekend's clean up. Viva Surfrider Rincon, PR!

My entire trash bag was just straws!!!!!!

So the beach clean up on Saturday went Ok. Not our most populated clean up but that's fine. We managed to get a lot of work done while watching the waves.

But what we've discovered as a group is that straws suck!
Yep, straws. However fun you think they might be, they are not when they're sticking up out of the sand, littering your local beach.

So, the group would love to encourage others to start thinking about straws a little more.

Do I really need to drink out of a straw with every cocktail at the bar?

Can I pass on the straw some pincho vendors give out with my soda?

Can I re-use my straw?

Hmmmm...

What about local vendors and bars/restaurants?
Maybe we can find a way to work together on this issue. Submit your ideas, comments, and suggestions here or on our Facebook Page, Fundacion Surfrider Rincon.

Surfrider Foundation Rincon Chapter in El Coqui Magazine

2011-02-09T14:13:00.000-08:00

There is an article about the work Surfrider did during the Rip Curl Pro Search 2010 Contest up at Middles Beach this past November in El Coqui Magazine. In the January/February issue, located in stores and hotels around town now.

Click on the link, El Coqui Rincon, to read the article or you can read the magazine for free around town. Why not take it to read on the beach?

Here's a shot at a spanish translation. I apologize if it isn't totally correct.

Hay un artículo sobre el trabajo Surfrider hizo durante el Rip Curl Pro Search 2010 Concurso de arriba en el medio de la playa el pasado noviembre en El Coquí Magazine. En la edición de enero y febrero, que se encuentra en las tiendas y hoteles en la ciudad ahora.

Haga clic en el enlace, El Coqui Rincón, para leer el artículo o puede leer la revista de forma gratuita por la ciudad. ¿Por qué no para leer en la playa?

Water Testing in Rincon

2011-02-09T14:04:00.000-08:00

Un estudiante de MAS Integrated School esta procesando una muestra de agua.
A student from MAS Integrated School is processing a water sample.
Part of the last volunteer event on Friday February 4th, 2011

At our last meeting, we discussed what exactly has been going on with the Blue Water Task Force, our local program run by a group of volunteers that helps test the Western coast of Puerto Rico's water quality.

If you'd like more information regarding the testing, check out their blog site. It is a little side branch from the Surfrider Rincon's site.

http://bwtfrincon.blogspot.com/

A special thanks to all of the local contributors that have helped fund this important program. A little goes a long way when helping our oceans. If you'd like to make a donation to the water quality testing program, please contact Steve at salvatrespalmas@surfrider.org. Same goes for volunteers, if any one is interested, please don't be shy! Our office is located in the Marina, right above Club Nautico.

Surfrider Beach Clean Up

2011-02-08T04:50:00.000-08:00

Hello All!

We have another beach clean up planned.
Saturday, February 19th, 2011 @ Parking lots (Sandy Beach)
8 am -11 am.

Be there or be Square : )

Bring gloves if you've got them. Lots of stuff to pick up including straws, plastic cups, and beer bottles from the bars and restaurants near by. While you're picking up trash, let's think about ways we can use less of these products in our everyday life. It is all connected.
Reduce, Re-use, Recycle.

Love to see all of your smiling faces there. Maybe even after wards we'll be able to surf.
Here's hoping!

Well this is good news:

2011-02-08T04:47:00.000-08:00

Off-shore wind energy a go!

How do you feel about harnessing wind power for energy? Post comments here or on our Facebook Page: Fundacion Surfrider de Rincon.

Surfrider Foundation Rincón's fundraiser at The Pool Bar a success!

2010-11-19T12:12:00.000-08:00

A large crowd attended the latest Chapter fundraiser at The Pool Bar in Bo. Puntas Rincón, P.R. last Saturday night. Music provided by the Durty Rats, rocked the house. Artist Michael Boone displayed his work and provided some prints for the raffle. The new video "Dark Fall" about New Jersey surfing had it's Puerto Rico premier showing, as well as slideshows by Steve Fitzpatrick and Jim Crotty. Thanks to Dennis and the crew at The Pool Bar for their help as well.

New Chapter Executive Committee elected

2010-11-17T13:31:00.000-08:00

The Rincón Puerto Rico Chapter, on the evening of November 11th, elected Executive Committee members to a new two year term. Returning to the Committee are Wesley Merten, Jim Crotty, Steve Tamar and Jason Epstein. New to the Committee are Angela Haynie, Roger Galloza and Shannon Lyons. Their respective positions are:
Jim Crotty Chair
Steve Tamar Vice Chair
Shannon Lyons Secretary
Jason Epstein Treasurer
Angela Haynie Volunteer Coordinator
Roger Galloza Community Ambassador
Wessley Merten Special Projects Liaison
The new E.C. is looking forward to strengthening our newly ratified Chapter and advancing Surfrider Foundation goals in Puerto Rico!

Congratulations Kelly! 10 X World Champ and Rip Curl Pro Seach 2010 Champ!

2010-11-07T08:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, November 6th, 2010 Kelly Slater made surfing history by winning his 10th world title in perfect 3-4' surf at Playa Middles in Isabela, PR. Thousands of fans turned out to witness the history in the making. Watch the Quarterfinal heat below that Slater won to secure his 10th World Title victory! Congratulations Kelly!

Not only did he win his 10th World Title but he also won the Rip Curl Pro Search 2010! Watch the final heat below!

Surfrider Rincon's Big Day Out

2010-11-06T08:11:00.000-07:00

Click here to see a pdf. of the story from the Live Ripcurl.com site! Click here to see the actual link to the site.

Chapter Event Summary; Rip Curl Pro Search 2010 at Playa Middles, Isabela

Over the past month, our chapter worked with the Rip Curl Planet Foundation and other local partners including, the Puerto Rico's Department of Natural Resources, Vida Marina at UPRA, Rescate Playas Isabela, Plastic Free Ocean, Coors Light, and ADS (Solid Waste Authority) to implement 4 eco-initiatives in conjunction with the Rip Curl Pro Search 2010, at Playa Middles in Isabela. The following is a summary of the results from these initiatives.

1. Coastal and Dune Reforestation -

In total, we planted 462 plants and trees including 60 coconut palm trees, 225 sea grape, 75 emajaguilla, 75 tropical almond trees, and 27 ipomeoa. These plants and trees were planted at 3 different sites: Wilderness, Surfers and Middles. At Wilderness we planted 115 plants and trees, at Surfers we planted 45, and at Middles the primary event site for the Rip Curl Pro we planted 302 plants and trees. Why were we doing this? This eco-initiative was done restore the coastal and dune environment by stabilizing the sand, preventing coastal erosion, decreasing sedimentation, and off-setting carbon emissions.

Click here to read more about coastal and dune reforestation.

2. Dune Protection

In order to reduce the impact of foot traffic on the sensitive dune environment at Playa Middles, our chapter worked with Vida Marina to build 100' of walkways and install 300' of protective fencing. This sound a lot more easy than it was. These features were constructed over a three week time-frame leading up to the event and installed just before the event window began. Talk about down to the wire! Just as anticipated, the were a huge success!

Click here to read more about dune protection.

3. Recycling

Working on-site with the Rip Curl Planet Foundation, Autoridad de Desperdicios Solidos (the Solid Waste Authority) and Coors Light our chapter helped maintain a clean event site by doing periodic site cleanups, helping to separate and recycle plastic, cans, and cardboard, and transporting the refuse to the proper pickup locations. Looking back on the effort ways to improve this eco-initiative is to instill an Impact Reduction Strategy by supplying water via a hydration station complete with reusable cups and nalgene bottles. The cups would need to be provided to all the vendors to be given out as a marketing item and all single-use plastic items would need to be eliminated. We hope to achieve this at a future event.

4. Outreach and Education

The last eco-initiative, and certainly one of the most important was the outreach and education component. Each of the aforementioned initiatives were done with the help of students, volunteers, stakeholders, the general public, and organizations like Plastic Free Ocean. For example, the coastal and dune reforestation program included the help of 2 schools from the area: the Friedrich Froebel Bilingual School in Aguadilla and Escuela Ecológica Niños Uniendo al Mundo from Caguas, PR. In addition, our chapter had an information booth where we handed out brochures about ways individuals can help to reduce their impact on the planet, ways to help make a positive impact in their communities, about the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, and chapter driven projects including reef and watershed restoration. Lastly, the Rip Curl Planet Foundation supplied us with some informative signs that were placed around the event site to raise awareness about why coastal and dune forestation and restoration is important and relayed the same messages via commentary during the event. In total, between our information booth, the outreach and education events, the signs, and the commentary all of the event partners effectively reached at least a 1000 people with positive eco-messages. The underlying theme of these message sums up SF's mission; the protection and enjoyment of the world's oceans, waves, and beaches for all people through conservation, activism, research, and education.

Click here to read more about the outreach and education events.

Below is an image of the coastal and dune reforestation at Playa Middles. All 302 plants and trees are indicated by an icon. Note; this satellite image is outdated.

Turtles, Tubes and Tradewinds Environmental Benefit Show Recap

2010-11-05T07:15:00.000-07:00

Last night the communities of Rincon, Aguadilla, Isabela and other locations around the island converged on Machete Rojo near Playa Jobos to help support the local chapter of the Surfrider Foundation and Rescate Playas Isabela. The event went off without a hitch and much to our delight we raised a great amount of money to be used to protect the local ocean, waves, beaches and reefs. The chapter would like to thank Machete Rojo for providing the great venue, the SuperStereos for rocking out, David for doing the sound, Rescate Playas Isabela for their help, and all of the patrons that came to support our cause. Below are some great photos from the awesome event.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR OUR NEXT ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFIT SHOW TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY NOVEMBER 13TH AT THE POOL BAR IN RINCON

FEATURING THE MUSIC OF THE DIRTY RATS!

We had more than 80 people show up to support the cause. Here to eco-patrons cruise by our booth and help support our movement.

The SuperStereos Rip! We look forward to having them play for us again. The crowd was amping!

One frothy eco-patron; stoked after winning a Fitzpatrick raffle item. Congrats!

Wess, Sal, and Angela stoked to be sharing the good times together.

Outreach and Education as part of the Rip Curl Pro; event day 3

2010-11-02T15:26:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a day for outreach and education at the Rip Curl Pro Search happening at Playa Middles, in Isabela yesterday. Our chapter together with Plastic Free Ocean, Vida Marina, and the Rip Curl Planet Foundation educated over 40 students from 2 different schools about the importance of coastal reforestation, dune protection and restoration, and environmental stewardship. The two schools that came to visit were the Friedrich Froebel Bilingual School in Aguadilla in the morning and the Escuela Ecologica Ninos Uniedo al Mundo from Caguas, PR, in the afternoon. As Ernie Alvarez, a representative of Plastic Free Ocean and local surfing charger says to the students, (paraphrasing) "...you are all environmental superheros that can make a difference! So, lets work together to save la Isla del Encanto!" Check out the slideshow and group photos from yesterdays outreach and education effort! Exito!

The chapter would like to thank all the participating entities and partners for making the outreach and education component of this event truly special. This includes the Rip Curl Planet Foundation, ESPN Brazil, Dr. Robert Mayer, Tamara Trinidad, and Santos Muniz from Vida Marina, Ernie and Camille Alvarez from Plastic Free Ocean, all of the SF Rincon event crew including Jim Crotty, Justin and Angela Haynie, Shannon Lyons (and her friend Ally), James Sethward, Roger Wagner, Roger Galloza, and everyone else that has helped throughout the past 3 weeks leading up to this event. Thanks!!!

Rip Curl Pro event days 1 and 2

2010-10-31T17:48:00.000-07:00

The past few days our chapter has been working hard in facilitating 4 eco-initiatives (coastal reforestation, dune protection and restoration, recycling, and outreach and education) with a host of different partners in conjunction with the Rip Curl Pro surfing competition at Playa Middles in Isabela. Tomorrow, together with Rip Curl Planet, Plastic Free Ocean, Vida Marina, and DRNA we will be restoring a dune area just east of the competition site by planting sea grape, palm trees, and an assortment of other native trees. Local students will be assisting us in this great effort.

With relation to our second eco-initiative, dune protection, our chapter is very pleased with the walkways that we helped Vida Marina at UPRA build to prevent dune erosion. Check out the photo below; they are a big hit!

the western walkway

the eastern walkway

However, we still need more people to spread the word about the importance of only walking to the beach via these two designated entrances at the event site to prevent further damage to the Playa Middles sensitive dune complex. These designated walkways are located on the eastern and western side of the main area at Playa Middles.

Our crew is spreading the great word about conservation and sustainability; come visit us at our booth to learn about our chapter's programs and involvement in the communities of northwest Puerto Rico!

Eco preparation for Rip Curl Pro Day 5; SF Rincon and Vida Marina install more walkways

2010-10-28T18:14:00.000-07:00

Today a group of 7 volunteers from the chapter of the Surfrider Foundation in Rincon, Vida Marina at UPRA, Rescate Playas Isabella, and the Rip Curl Planet Foundation installed some more walkways on the western side of the Middles event site. This work is being done to reduce the impacts of pediatrician traffic on the dunes. The pathways help by reducing dune erosion in a sustainable and aesthetic way. Check out the photos of the new walkways below!

James and I getting to work on the first section.

Jim walking down the new walkway.

The western walkway

The crew the helped with the on-site effort.

In addition, we roped off an area on the eastern side of the event site in preparation for the tree planting on Monday, November 1st with local students, SF Rincon, Vida Marina, RPI, and the Rip Curl Planet Foundation.

Jonathan moving plants to a safe keeping spot for our Monday event.

Angela representing

James roping off the planting areas

Eco preparation for Rip Curl Pro Day 4; SF Rincon and Vida Marina prepare more walkways

2010-10-27T17:30:00.000-07:00

Scrambling to finish the last walkway, Jim, Santos, and I work late Tuesday night. We hope to install the western walkway at Middles tomorrow, Thursday October 28th, with a host of volunteers from Vida Marina, SF Rincon, RPI, and the Rip Curl Planet Foundation.

Eco preparation for Rip Curl Pro Day 3; SF Rincon, Vida Marina, and Rip Curl Planet work at Middles

2010-10-24T13:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Saturday October 23rd, a group of volunteers from Surfrider Foundation Rincon, Vida Marina at UPRA, the Rip Curl Planet Foundation, and Rescate Playas Isabela worked together to plant trees and plants at Wilderness, Surfers, and Middles, install protective fencing and walkways to prevent dune erosion, and unite on a cause to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the islands precious natural resources for future generations to come.

If anyone is interested in helping we need more volunteers to help build more walkways and protective fencing, with upcoming plantings, with the on-site recycling effort, and helping to spread the positive environmental message that this work represents. Contact us at salvatrespalmas@surfrider.org

Check out this video from the past 3 events of our effort to help reduce the impacts this event could have on the environment.

Below are some photos from the coastal reforestation effort. This is another initiative inspired by the Rip Curl Planet Foundation and facilitated by SF Rincon. Our chapter is working hard to implement this and many other actions that can help reduce the environmental footprint of this event. These actions transpire into a positive multi-participatory environmental movement to inspire the people of Puerto Rico to work with us towards conservation, protection, and the enjoyment of our oceans, waves, and beaches.
The chapter has put 215 plants in the ground to date as part of our initiative to reduce coastal erosion, stabilize dune habitat, create new habitat, and offset carbon emissions. The next planting is scheduled for November 1st 2010 at Playa Middles at 8 am.

This is a satellite image of Playa Middles with the plants/trees we have planted to date. Note; this satellite images is out dated but still serves as a representation of the exact area we have planted over the past few events. The significance of this is that it reminds us that the morphology of our coastlines are ever changing and necessitates the need for increased dune restoration and coastal reforestation to save our beaches.

This is one of the three planting areas we installed at Wilderness yesterday. These are commonly known as the tropical almond tree or almendra in spanish.

This is one of the groups of volunteers that worked during yesterday's event. This crew planted more than 215 plants in one day! The other crew worked closely with Vida Marina at Middles to install more protective fencing and walkways to deter dune erosion. See photos below.

This is the protective fencing at the western end of the Middles event site. The walkways will be installed later this week in collaboration with Vida Marina and the Rip Curl Planet Foundation.

Here, Angie from Rip Curl, fastens the upper portion of the rope that fences in the walkway. Thanks Angie!

Contact Surfrider Foundation Rincon to learn about ways to help in the upcoming events and during the event window. Email us at salvatrespalmas@surfrider.org.
Surfrider Foundation Rincon

Save a reef, eat Lionfish!

2010-10-21T18:26:00.000-07:00

October 20, 2010, 7:41 am

New Weapon Against Invading Fish: The Pan

By ANDREW C. REVKIN

As human commerce and mobility act like a great global Waring blender for biology, communities around the world are grappling with the impacts of waves of introduced and invasive species.
Fish present particular challenges, with the Great Lakes girding for the arrival of Asian carp and lionfish, escapees from the tropical fish trade that sport fans of toxin-tipped spines, spreading in the Caribbean and up the East Coast as far as Long Island.
Recognizing the near impossibility of stopping these invasions, residents of affected regions and some biologists are shifting tactics and encouraging folks to catch, kill and eat them.

Click here for the full article

Below is a photo of a Lionfish at Turromote reef in La Parguera in 45' of water. We encountered the fish during class today along one of our transects. To say the least, I think the professor ate well tonight!

Save a reef, eat Lionfish!

Eco preparation for Rip Curl Pro Day 2; Surfrider Foundation Rincon and Vida Marina work at Middles

2010-10-20T19:22:00.000-07:00

Today a crew of 13 activists, with the chapter of Surfrider Foundation in Rincon and representatives of Vida Marina at UPR Aguadilla, helped get over 300 plants/trees that the chapter ordered from the Isabela DRNA vivero to UPR Aguadilla. The plants are going to be used for a coastal reforestation project at Wilderness, Surfers, and Middles. The first part of the planting will take place this Saturday at 8 am at Wilderness then Surfers, and lastly Middles.

In addition, the chapter installed some protective fencing to minimize dune and coastal vegetative erosion at Middles today and began preparing some planting areas for the November 1st planting that will take place as a multi-participatory event including Rip Curl, Rip Curl Planet, Plastic Free Ocean, Surfrider Foundation Rincon, DRNA, and area schools. Contact salvatrespalmas@surfrider.org if your interested in helping.

Angela taking tally of the more than 300 plants/trees that we received in an order the chapter placed from DRNA. The plants are being kept at Vida Marina's greenhouse at UPR Aquadilla.

Before and after shots of one of the areas that we are going to plant based on suggestions from a field biologist at DRNA. We will be planting this bluff, and other areas, on November 1st.

This is an example of the walkways we helped Vida Marina build and will be placing between the protective fencing we installed today at Middles. We are collaborating with Vida Marina from UPR Aguadilla to mobilize these resources and put them into action.

It is tough to see the difference between this before and after shot but if you look closely you can see the fencing that we installed to prevent dune and coastal vegetation erosion in the middle of the picture.

This is a more clear shot of the protective fencing. The walkways will be placed in the middle. We would like to thank Vida Marina for giving our chapter the opportunity to puts these resources into action.

Here is the crew that helped make Day 2 of our Rip Curl Pro preparation initiative happen.

Eco preparation for Rip Curl Pro Day 1; Surfrider Foundation and Vida Marina de UPR Aquadilla

2010-10-17T18:01:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, Wessley Merten and Roger Galloza, representatives of the Surfrider Foundation Rincon chapter helped Vida Marina of UPR Aquadilla and a host of student volunteers build wooden walkways and discuss an action plan for minimizing the impacts 1000s of fans watching the Rip Curl Pro Surfing competition, scheduled to take place at the end of this month at Middles, impose on the sensitive coastal and dune habitat. Check the photos below of the volunteers that are making this happen. The chapter is planning on working with Vida Marina to install all of these walkways by next weekend including some protective fencing to guard sensitive areas in highly trafficked areas. If you would like to help in this effort contact our chapter at salvatrespalmas@surfrider.org.

Dr. Robert Mayer, Director of the Caribbean Center for the Reduction of Aquatic Debris at the Department of Natural Sciences at UPR Aguadilla discusses the work plan with some student volunteers.

Wess Merten cutting 2x4's and 2x6's to be used to build the wooden walkways.

Roger Galloza and Santos Muniz, a doctoral student in the Department of Marine Sciences, take a break from building the walkways to smile for the camera.

This is just the tip of the iceburg of the resources the chapter will be mobilizing with Vida Marina to protect the dunes from potentially catastrophic pedestrian damage.

Coral Bleaching in the Caribbean Basin

2010-10-17T17:42:00.000-07:00

For those of you that venture into the marine realm you may have noticed something different about our reefs this year. That is the reefs around Puerto Rico and throughout the Caribbean basin including the Gulf of Mexico are experiencing a bleaching event. It is extremely hard to predict what is going to transpire with this event and overall scientists haven't determined whether or not it will be worse than the massive event in 2005. During 2005, heightened sea surface temperatures for an extended period of the year lead to significant bleaching amongst many different species of corals in the Caribbean sea. Coral bleaching can be defined as coral polyps that have lost their symbiont algae aka zooxanthellae that live within the polyp. The pigments in the zooxanthellae are what give corals their different colors, therefore when the algae are absent from the polyps the corals turn white and are rendered more or less dormant until zooxanthellae can re-populate the polyps (if/when depending on the environmental stresses). There are many unknowns related to bleaching. For example, what species are more susceptible i.e. deep corals vs. shallow corals?...are the affects of bleaching dependent upon morphology and level of arrangement of the polyps? Does the polyp rid the algae or does the algae rid itself from the polyp? These are many of the questions many scientists around the world are looking into answering.

A bleached boulder brain coral colony in the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve taken on October 17th 2010.

This is another example of a bleached coral colony (massive starlet coral) with still some zooxanthellae held within some polyps (darker areas). This photo was taken at Turromote in La Parguera on October 14th 2010.

MISSION BLUE - I AM THE OCEAN -

2010-09-28T21:01:00.001-07:00

With every breath we take, every drop of water we drink, we're connected to the ocean. It is our life support system. Mission Blue is a global partnership initiative to raise public awareness and move people to help protect this vital natural resource.

People have the ability to make history and create positive change. Show your support and join us today. Sign up for emails at the following link.

I Am the Ocean

Mission Blue overview

The National Geographic Society, the Waitt Foundation, and the SEAlliance, along with strategic government, private, scientific, and conservation partners—including the TEDPrize, Google, and IUCN—are beginning an action-oriented marine conservation initiative. Under the banner “Mission Blue,” this multi-year, global partnership initiative is aimed at restoring health and productivity to the ocean by inspiring people to care and act, reducing the impact of fishing, and promoting the creation of marine protected areas (MPAs).

Slideshow from International Coastal Cleanup Day

2010-09-28T19:15:00.000-07:00

Check out the slideshow below from this past weekend's effort at the Black Eagle Marina and Playa Marias. This was a third cleanup since we began the Marina Restoration Project. To date we have installed 6 trash barrels, planted 20 plants, and removed over 800 pounds of debris!

Profunda investigación en el mar

2010-09-13T18:05:00.000-07:00

Profunda investigación en el mar
Por Marta Yazmín García Nieves
prensa@uprm.edu
PRENSA RUM

Un proyecto que comenzó hace más de cuatro años con ambiciosas expectativas y numerosos retos, representa hoy una de las más importantes aportaciones al estudio de los arrecifes de coral caribeños. La iniciativa, que protagonizan estudiantes y profesores del Departamento de Ciencias Marinas (CIMA) del Recinto Universitario de Mayagüez (RUM), conllevó un ciclo de adiestramientos sobre buceo profundo, con el fin de preparar investigadores para el estudio de la comunidad de peces y arrecifes conocidos como mesofóticos.

La iniciativa, que cuenta con un total de diecisiete colaboradores, reafirma el sitial de vanguardia del RUM en términos de investigación porque se trata de una gestión de concienciación ambiental significativa que impacta positivamente a toda la comunidad, opinó el doctor Francisco Pagán López, director del Programa del Instituto de Arrecifes de Coral del Caribe (CCRI, por sus siglas en inglés) con sede en las instalaciones de Ciencias Marinas en la isla Magueyes en La Parguera.

Haga clic aqui para leer mas.

Installation of our 19th and 20th Trash Can in Rincon

2010-09-04T14:41:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, a crew of 10 activists with the local chapter of Surfrider Foundation Rincon, cleaned up Playa Marias, and installed 2 new trash barrels at Playa Stella. Over a year ago the chapter began the Playa Marias Restoration Project and much to our delight it has been a success. All of the plants that we planted there, courtesy of DRNA, have begun to establish themselves.

Likewise, we are very delighted to have just installed our 19th and 20th trash barrel in past 10 months. We aspire to install 20 more by next year. The chapter would like to thank 787 Surf School and Guest Villa for donating time and money to this effort as well as all the activists that helped make it happen.

Roger Galloza getting ready to set a post at Playa Stella last weekend.

The crew that made it happen.

Position Open - Coral Reef and Coastal Program Specialist – Management Liaison

2010-09-02T10:25:00.000-07:00

New IMSG Position in San Juan, Puerto Rico: Coral Reef and Coastal Program Specialist – Management Liaison

I.M. Systems Group, Inc. (IMSG, http://www.imsg.com) is seeking a Coral Reef and Coastal Zone Program Specialist to serve as a Management Liaison to Puerto Rico for the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM), which is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The position will be located in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

OCRM houses the headquarters of NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP, www.coralreef.noaa.gov) and Coastal Zone Management Program (CZMP, www.coastalmanagement.noaa.gov). The incumbent will serve as the primary liaison between these two national programs and the coral reef conservation and coastal zone management programs in Puerto Rico. The incumbent will be responsible for supporting activities under both programs, including the oversight of NOAA’s CRCP and CZM grants to Puerto Rico, thus ensuring that projects funded by each national program complement each other within Puerto Rico. In addition, the incumbent will be responsible for providing technical assistance in a relevant field, such as marine protected area design and/or management, watershed management, social science research and monitoring, or communications and outreach. Frequent travel within Puerto Rico is required, and several annual trips to other locations, including NOAA headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, are expected.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The contractor’s duties will include, but not be limited to the following:

* Serving as the primary liaison between the national CRCP and CZMP and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico programs
* Communicate national policies and guidance from NOAA to Puerto Rico
* Communicate Puerto Rico coral reef and coastal zone management program needs and priorities to NOAA headquarters and other program components
* Assist the Puerto Rico coral program with the CRCP’s ongoing capacity assessment
* Act as the NOAA Liaison for the development, review, on-line processing, and monitoring of Coral Reef Management and Coastal Zone Management grants
* Support development and implementation of 309 Enhancement Grant Assessment and Strategies, review and approve changes to CZM programs; and assist in periodic evaluations of CZM programs.
* Support CRCP and CZM strategic planning efforts, including identifying priority topics and geographic areas, developing program and project performance measures, and evaluation of historic, current, and potential future CRCP and CZMP projects
* Advise senior CRCP and CZMP leadership on endeavors, projects, and partnerships that would be of benefit in Puerto Rico
* Assist with the implementation and integration of select Puerto Rico coral reef and coastal zone management projects
* Build partnerships with governmental, non-governmental, academic, and community organizations toward shared conservation goals
* Assist in the development and coordination of a Puerto Rico coral reef advisory group
* Providing Puerto Rico, and, where appropriate, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Florida, programs with specialized technical and management assistance in various topical areas related to coral reef and coastal zone management such as Marine protected area design or management; Watershed management or land-based sources of pollution abatement; Social science research or monitoring; Communications and outreach; Coral reef or coastal zone governance, law, or policy; Project management; Capacity building and Adaption to the effects of climate change on coral and other marine resources
* Participating on behalf of the CRCP, CZMP, or OCRM on internal NOAA and external working groups, councils, and committees
* Supporting general activities for the relevant Divisions and Office to which this position will report

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Requirements:

* Fluency in oral and written English and Spanish, and strong communication skills
* Master’s degree (highly preferred) or bachelor’s degree with equivalent additional experience in a relevant discipline such as marine science, biology, marine or environmental management or policy
* 2 or more years post-graduate work experience in a coral reef-related or integrated CZM management position
* 2 or more years of experience working on or with small island states, preferably in Puerto Rico or other Caribbean islands
* Demonstrated proficiency in one or more of the technical fields listed in the job responsibilities section of this announcement
* Understanding of coral reef ecosystems, their threats, strategies for their conservation, and coastal management issues
* Ability to work independently and cooperatively with a range of individuals that are geographically separated and that represent a range of different cultures
* Ability to work on several projects simultaneously and to shift priorities as needed
* Experience coordinating efforts and projects with multiple partners
* Technical proficiency with Microsoft Office programs

Strongly Desired:

* 4 or more years post-graduate work experience in coral reef-related scientific or management positions
* 2 to 3 years of program development and project planning experience
* Experience developing, negotiating, and managing individual grants (as the grant recipient) and/or administering grant programs (as the grantor)
* Experience working in a matrix organization and/or ability working in team settings
* Experience working on multi-lateral, regional, or international environmental initiatives
* Experience in a governmental work environment

To Apply:

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The salary for this position is commensurate with experience. Qualified candidates may apply by e-mailing a cover letter, resume, and three references (MS Word format strongly preferred) to: jobs@imsg.com with the subject heading: NOA10041 – Puerto Rico Management Liaison. Please include your salary expectations in your cover letter. The salary range for this position is 55-65k.

IMSG is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Veteran friendly.

Marine Life of Puerto Rico

2010-08-31T19:21:00.000-07:00

Recently, the local chapter of the Surfrider Foundation in Rincon launched a new site for the community called marinelifpr.org. This site was constructed to allow users to increase their knowledge about reefs, and the organisms that call them home, and share their photos and videos with the rest of the world. The site will be continually updated and we hope with photos from users like yourself. If you have any photos you would like published on the site please click here and follow the directions. Thanks!

www.marinelifepr.org

Lionfish Evaluation in Reserva Marine Tres Palmas

2010-08-16T13:54:00.000-07:00

Ten individuals of Lionfish were found during an evaluation in the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve. The highest density of these sightings were on the southern end of the reserve off the bank shelf from Calle Surf south towards the marina. Soon, we will be participating in eradicating these individuals from the reserve. We will keep you posted.

To see a summary of the evaluation of Lionfish in RMTP please click here.

posted by wessley merten

Congratulations Ernie!!!

2010-06-06T16:24:00.000-07:00

Ernie Alvarez a local big wave charger recently completed his circumnavigation of Puerto Rico this past Saturday at Villa Cofresi. He paddled his stand-up paddleboard more than 350 miles around PR to raise awareness about reducing our dependence on plastics, refraining from using single-use plastics, recycling, and being stewards to the environment. His arrival to Villa Cofresi in Rincon on Saturday was well greeted by more than 100 spectators. Congratulations Ernie! Click here to read more about the Plastic Free Oceans campaign and to learn about ways to help save our oceans.

posted by Wessley Merten

NOAA Job Opportunities

2010-06-05T17:38:00.000-07:00

NMFS Habitat Conservation Division has two open vacancies for Fishery Biologists in San Juan, Puerto Rico and Charleston, South Carolina.

Please pass along to anyone who may be interested in applying.

www.usajobs.gov

Job Title: Fish Biologist, GS-0482-11/12 MAP/DEU
Department: Department Of Commerce
Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Sub Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Job Announcement Number: NMFS-SER-2010-0026

SALARY RANGE: 52,661.00 - 82,053.00 USD /year
OPEN PERIOD: Wednesday, May 26, 2010 to Wednesday, June 23, 2010
SERIES & GRADE: GS-0482-11/12
POSITION INFORMATION: Competitive Service: Career or Career Conditional Full-time, Permanent
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 12
DUTY LOCATIONS: few vacancies - San Juan

Job Title: Fish Biologist, GS-0482-12 MAP/DEU
Department: Department Of Commerce
Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Sub Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Job Announcement Number: NMFS-SER-2010-0028

SALARY RANGE: 68,809.00 - 89,450.00 USD /year
OPEN PERIOD: Wednesday, May 26, 2010 to Friday, June 11, 2010
SERIES & GRADE: GS-0482-12/12
POSITION INFORMATION: Competitive Service: Career or Career Conditional Full-time, Permanent
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 12
DUTY LOCATIONS: few vacancies - Charleston

International Surfring Day 2010; Art Auction at Rincon of the Seas

2010-06-02T05:48:00.000-07:00

Sunday June 20th at 6 pm

On Sunday June 20th 2010 the chapter of the Surfrider Foundation in Rincon will be holding a fundraising event as part of the world wide celebration of 'International Surfing Day.' This global celebration was established by the Surfrider Foundation and other partners over 6 years ago. Last year was the most successful year yet with over 105 ISD events held at locations around the world. Once again, SURFING Magazine will be working with the Surfrider Foundation and other partners to use this day to help raise awareness about beach and coastal environmental issues. Our chapter will be participating by holding an art auction titled 'Raising Awareness with Art' celebrating the sport of surfing and the natural world.

The auction will feature the works of local, regional, and internationally renowned artists such as Kurt Ziegler, Steve Fitzpatrick, Rachel Tanner, Helen Clymer, Roberto Ortiz, Aaron Terry and more. In addition to the art auction we will be holding raffles, showing a slideshow looking back on the past surfing season, enjoying food and wine, and music. The entrance fee is $10 at the door and the event begins at 6 pm. The event will be held at the Rincon of the Seas Grand Caribbean Hotel in the Ballroom.

Be sure to check back for more updates and the event program.

THERE ARE AROUND 100 ITEMS IN THE EVENT. THE FOLLOWING ARE JUST A GLIMPSE OF WHAT IS GOING TO BE OFFERED.

Raffle Items!

Restaurants - Rincon of the Seas "Dinner Under the Stars," One Ten Thai, Cosina Creativa, The Rum Shack, The English Rose, Rock Bottom at the Casa Verde, Tickets to the Festival Gastronomico, and more!

A ride for two with Tropical Trial Rides in Isabela. For information about Tropical Trail Rides click here.

An evening cruise for group of 6 in Ponce Bay aboard a vessel in Nautifull's fleet. For more information about the Nautifull experience click here. To read more about Nautifull Click here.

Ride in style with the crew from Taino divers to Isla Desecheo. We will be raffling off a snorkel trip good for a trip to Isla Desecheo.

Win a two hour lesson with the crew from Surf 787 Surf school. Click here to read more about what Surf 787 has to offer!

Win a Nixon watch donated from El Rincon Surf Shop in Aquadilla! Click here to check out this epic surf shop!

Featured Artists and their contributions:

Steve Fitzpatrick will be contributing 2 prints of his images sizes = 20x24 and 16x20. But, hiand more (sizes = 16 x 20 signed)! We are pleased to have Surf Caribe is a sponsor of this event. Visit their site by clicking here. Another highlight of the evening will be a entertaining slideshow of titled "Surf Caribe Presents: A Selection of images by Steve Fitzpatrick from the 2009/2010 Puerto Rico winter surf season."

Kurt Ziegler originals "Houses" and "Way Fish" acrylic on canvas along with many signed prints.

A contribution from Roberto Ortiz the owner of Secret Garden Art Gallery in Rincon, PR, titled "Nautilus Complex" a mono-print retouched with paint.

Art work by Aaron Terry. Check out more of Aaron's work by visiting his site by clicking here.

Rachel Tanner is contributing 2 large framed prints and many smaller prints.

Helen Clymer "Pools beach" Image unavailable, however her work is epic...see below.

Bruce Burt "Sea Fan" Medium Acrylic 9 x 12"

Russel Crotty "Grey Bluffs" Visit his site by clicking here.

In addition, amateurs will be contributing pieces to the event

Like a glicee (30 x 30) of a Hawskbill sea turtle swooping over the reef in Reserva Marina Tres Palmas (W.Merten)

Come help support the local chapter of the Surfrider Foundation expand its water quality monitoring program, beach and reef restoration programs, coastal reforestation program and other chapter related efforts such as outreach and education for the 2010/2011 season!

Click here to view the press release.

Surfrider Rincon

Water Quality Monitoring Rincon

posted by Wessley Merten

The Story of Bottled Water

2010-05-05T17:02:00.000-07:00

Ban the plastic bottle!

Offshore Drilling is Not The Answer: Restore the Moratorium

2010-04-30T11:08:00.001-07:00

Offshore Drilling is Not The Answer: Restore the Moratorium

Posted using ShareThis

Earth Day 2010

2010-04-29T19:54:00.000-07:00

We want clean water, clean air, thriving coral reefs...

2010-04-21T10:39:00.000-07:00

Surfrider Foundation: Expansion of offshore drilling is not the answer

2010-04-07T18:04:00.001-07:00

Surfrider Foundation: Expansion of offshore drilling is not the answer

Posted using ShareThis

Hard to Stand in Puerto Rico

2010-04-04T20:08:00.000-07:00

By Angela Howe, ESQ, Managing Attorney, Surfrider Foundation

It's easier to stand up on a wave in Rincon, Puerto Rico, than it is to obtain standing in court. According to the Puerto Rican Supreme Court's March 17, 2010 decision (Fundacion Surfrider, Inc v. Administracion Reglamentos y Permisos, CC-2005-732) on the legality of the Marino de los Suenos development that denied Surfrider Foundation standing in the case to challenge the high density development that will have dramatic effects on the character of the neighborhood and water disbursement in the region.

Click here for the plans.

Surfrider challenged the Administration of Rules and Permitting (APRE) decision that granted a zoning change for high density development in a low-density zoned area, giving the ARPE precedent right to allow rampant high density development without employing the Planning Commission as the appropriate body for these decisions.

Surfrider was present and vocal during the administrative agency decision, and then took our grievance to court in 2005. The issue went up to the Appeals Court and then the Supreme Court in Puerto Rico. The Supreme Court wrote a strong opinion against Surfrider's standing, requiring burdensome conditions to constitute legitimacy as a Plaintiff on this action. The decision sets poor precedent for future environmental organizations who would like to obtain standing to fight poor development decisions in Puerto Rico.

In general, the Court found that Surfrider and named co-plaintiff Leon Richter's interest were not sufficiently stated to show an intimate connection between the action and the organization's "adverse interests." Specifically, the majority wrote that because Senor Richter only included a PO Box address and not his particular home address, they could not tell how close in proximity he was to the new development and how much it would disturb the characteristics of the neighborhood. The majority also requested more data to substantiate allegations on how this will affect the water distribution and intensity in the area. They called the presented information "speculative and conclusory." As for Surfrider Foundation's standing, the majority noted that Surfrider functions to protect the welfare of oceans and beach access. But they reasoned that "this project is not even contiguous with the beach and will not impede access" and that the effects of the development are not sufficient to show a particularized interest in judicial right to review.

According to the dissent by three justices, Surfrider Foundation did demonstrate that it was in the interest of the organization and the organization's individual members to work in the interest of conservation in the area. The dissent recognized that conservation is intimately related to planning decisions.

Furthermore, the dissent noted that even though Senor Richter did not have his specific address entered into the case, no one had ever doubted whether he resided as a neighbor to the proposed project. After all, how close does he have to be to allege the traffic concerns, affect on the local neighborhood and water usage concerns. The dissent noted that "there is no reason to doubt that he is truly a neighbor in the community and accurately described the public view."

At least the dissenters recognized that Surfrider Foundation has been present in the local community to help to protect and preserve coastal resources in the area for over a decade.

As the dissenting opinion author Fiol Matta quoted in the local newspaper, "today's decision was a hard blow against citizens working for the environment."

The Vortex - A Tragedy

2010-04-04T09:30:00.000-07:00

Hats off to Werner Herzog for clowning himself to raise awareness with this bag's tragic tale...

Know Your H2O

2010-03-27T13:59:00.000-07:00

On World Water Day, March 22nd, 2010, the Surfrider Foundation launched The Cycle of Insanity: The Real Story of Water, a video that connects the impacts of our current water management system to coastal issues and offers common sense solutions to illustrate how we can make progress toward sustainability in water and wastewater management.

The Cycle of Insanity: The Real Story of Water from Surfrider Foundation on Vimeo.

Access to clean water is a human right. Despite what our decision makers tell us, we're not in a water crisis; our water management system is itself a crisis. The way we manage water not only affects how much water we have in our storage tanks and reservoirs, it impacts the coastline and ocean as well. From sewage discharges to stormwater runoff, how we manage and value water has a direct correlation to the state of our beaches. Can't surf after it rains? Look no further than the streets of your town.

Created through a collaboration of volunteer Surfrider activists, The Cycle of Insanity: The Real Story of Water evolved into a 20-minute video explaining the connection between environmental problems on the coast and our outdated water management system. It explains the problems we face and offers solutions to improve the process and (re)use this precious resource wisely. The myopia of our society leads decision makers to propose and rely on short-term solutions to long-term problems, at the expense of our resources. For example, leaders propose desalination to create the renewable resource of water, but rely on the use of a non-renewable source of energy to do it. Short-sighted thinking led us into this Cycle of Insanity.

Originally conceived as an interactive website, the idea grew into a video as more Surfrider volunteers shared ideas, concepts, and energy. We found that video was the best medium to condense water facts and policy in an entertaining and informative way. We realize that it's often difficult for people to absorb new information, particularly information that asks them to shift their worldview. We believe that a video allows the viewer to easily digest the information. Directed towards Water and Public Agencies, Academics, City Councils, Press, Members, Students, and the General Public, The Cycle of Insanity: The Real Story of Water is as accessible to a 6-year old as it is a 96-year old and everyone in-between.

Using the model of the water cycle as a template, the film explains the current style of water management and explores what the ideal water management system would look like, with localized water treatment plants and neighborhoods and cities that incorporate native plant life and filtration systems. It shows how smart water management can eliminate unnecessary run-off, encourage reuse, provide a buffer against storms and other so-called "natural" disasters, and improve the aesthetics and livability of our communities. Inefficient water management affects us all, regardless of our geographic location.

What began in San Diego as a campaign in integrated water eventually sprouted into the Know Your H2O program, an idea with roots in several of our California chapters-West Los Angeles and Malibu, South Orange County, Ventura, Monterey, Newport, Santa Cruz, and San Luis Bay-as well as the East Coast chapters. Water management is an issue that affects us all, impacting the water quality in our aquifers and oceans.

Concern, critique, moderation, and conservation are the building blocks of progress. Become engaged in the issues that affect your local community and access to clean water. Watch The Cycle of Insanity: The Real Story of Water and discover the water system as it should be-arm yourself with the tools to start thinking critically about water management and break the Cycle of Insanity!

This is how the Waltons like to vacation.

2010-03-23T15:15:00.000-07:00

What's the big deal about three vacationers with spare tires?

Hailing from the mountains of Colorado and the hills of Pennsylvania, these three visitors to the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve were inspired by local efforts to keep marine debris out of Tres Palmas. Having recently learned about the community's campaign to not only protect, but help restore the endangered elkhorn coral reefs by removing nearly 500 tires from the area, these 3 strongmen were compelled to pitch in when they came across a lone tire while snorkeling in thirty feet of water.

Returning the next day, they jury-rigged their own hauling system replete with surfboards, snorkels and binder's twine. To the amazement of their family and friends, the three managed to find the strength needed to get the tire to shore without mishap or injury.

Cene Para Beneficio Mediambiental / Environmental Benefit Dinner

2010-03-18T08:45:00.000-07:00

The chapter of Surfrider Foundation Rincon would like to thank all the participating businesses, restaurants, the band, the DJ, Fundacion Boerman e Hijos Inc., and all the volunteers for making this event a great success. The event was well received and attended and we hope to make it an annual event. Below is a slideshow of photos from the event taken by Derek Smith from Sunshine Photographics. Enjoy!

Menu

Aperitivos / Appetizers

Tapas Bar at Casa Isleña

~Pinchitos de Carne con Jengibre y Amarillos

ginger, soy, and sesame marinated angus skirt steak skewered w/ fresh amarillos

Rincón Tropical

~Una Bandeja de 100 piezas (incluye sorullitos, empanadillitas, taquitos, y rellenitos)

Entradas / Entrees

JR Catering Lechon

~A 50 lbs. Pig Roast

Villa Cofresi

~Villa Cofresi’s Green Salad & Penne Pasta

Shipwrecks Bar & Grill

~Shipwreck’s Signature Salad

Rincón of the Seas

~ A Roasted Leg of Pork

Yakitori Grill at the Pool Bar

~Yakitori Grill’s Signature Sushi

The Rum Shack at the Lazy Parrot

~Rum Shack’s Chicken Pinchos

Bebidas / Drinks

Barefoot Wine

~ Barefoot’s Signature Wines

Banana Dang

~ 3 Airpots of Dang Coffee and Iced Coffee

Postres / Desserts

Marullo Deli & Café

~ An assortment of Dessert Breads. (unconfirmed)

We need desserts!

If you like to bake, bake everyone a cake!

This ‘Environmental Benefit Dinner’ will serve as the kickoff to a series of three events we will be doing to fundraise for the local Rincón chapter of the Surfrider Foundation. Funds raised will go towards fulfilling the chapter’s ongoing mission and efforts to restore, protect, and conserve the community’s precious natural resources. Additionally, these events are being organized to raise awareness about the importance of grassroots activism, community participation, the importance of protecting Puerto Rico’s environment. The second event will take place after Earth Day on Saturday, April 24th, and the last event will be held on International Surfing Day on Sunday, June 20th, 2010. More details, including the times and locations will be announced in the coming weeks.

This particular event is being sponsored by over 10 restaurants and businesses in Rincon. Food will be served from 5 until 730pm with live music provided by 'Roots Militia' to follow. We will be accepting a minimum entrance fee of $15 dollars at the door. Come enjoy the fun!

Below are logos from all of the sponsors of the event.

Tables, chairs, linens, and decorations will be donated by Ocaciones.

Music by Roots Militia!

With sound by Starmix Audiovisual and Sound Service.

Advertising and poster design. The art was provided by Kurt Ziegler.

Below are all the logos of the restaurants contributing to the dinner.

In addition, Rum Shack at the Lazy Parrot, JR Catering Lechon, and others will be contributing.

Below is the logo to the Fundacion Segarra Boerman e Hijos who graciously donated some funding for the event.

Triunfo ecológico para Rincón

2010-03-04T15:16:00.000-08:00

La Junta de Planificación informó que adoptó el plan de manejo de la Reserva Marina Tres Palmas.

Por Edwin J. Rodríguez Rivera / edwin.rodriguez@elnuevodia.com

Nota del editor: Esta es la primera de dos historias. Busca la segunda parte mañana. El presidente de la Junta de Planificación (JP), Héctor Morales Vargas, informó que su agencia adoptó el Plan de Manejo de la Reserva Marina Tres Palmas (RMTP) de Rincón, el pasado diciembre, decisión que no había sido hecha pública hasta hoy. Este plan delinea las condiciones y guías a seguir a la hora de utilizar los recursos marinos que se quieren preservar en Tres Palmas.

Así las cosas, la decisión de la JP es un triunfo para el pueblo rincoense. El plan en cuestión representa los intereses de todos los sectores de la comunidad, que en el 2008 culminó el documento, luego de año y medio de consultas al pueblo, realizadas por la Junta de Manejo de la Reserva.
¿Por qué no se había revelado antes?

La decisión de adoptar el plan de manejo de la Reserva Marina Tres Palmas no se había anunciado antes porque la agencia está por concluir un análisis legal. El trabajo realizado hasta ahora apunta a que no existe estatuto legal que obligue a la JP a tener la firma del Gobernador para adoptar el plan de manejo, según indicó el presidente de la junta Héctor Morales Vargas.

• Gran oportunidad económica en Tres Palmas

Sin embargo, el planificador Carlos Carrero, miembro de la Junta de Manejo de la Reserva, explicó que a principios del 2009 la JP recalificó los terrenos de toda la Isla, de manera que en zonas en que sólo se podían desarrollar construcciones de bajo impacto ambiental (como los terrenos frente a Tres Palmas), ahora se permitirían construcciones de tres y cuatro pisos.
En términos técnicos, todos los terrenos calificados como Residencial Turístico del 0 al 3 (RT 0-3) ahora se agrupan dentro de la calificación Residencial Turístico Intermedio (RTI).

Asimismo, la Junta declaró toda la costa de Rincón hasta Añasco como Zona de Interés Turístico. Y estos terrenos costeros quedaron agrupados en la calificación RTI. Según Carrero, no se consideró en los planos el hecho de que estas costas incluyen los terrenos aledaños a la Reserva de Tres Palmas.

“Eliminar las otras calificaciones (RT 0-3) es erróneo porque cada terreno es distinto y debe evaluarse por separado para calificarlo. Uno de los peligros es que cuando proliferan las construcciones se genera el mismo efecto de sedimentación. En el área de la reserva no lo recomiendo”, precisó Carrero.

El sentir que recogió ELNUEVODIA.COM luego de entrevistas con oceanógrafos, recreacionistas marinos, planificadores y algunos surfers y negociantes rincoeños, es el temor a que la Zona de Interés Turístico destruyera el valor estético, ecológico y turístico-económico de Tres Palmas.

Esto, porque la reserva marina sólo protege el recurso natural que está en el agua y la zona marítimo terrestre. No están protegidas las áreas verdes que van desde la carretera 413 hasta la playa.

“La reserva marina es en el agua y la colindancia inmediata de la reserva es una porción de terrenos calificada como ‘Conservación de Recursos’. El frente marítimo tiene una protección de recursos que no permite ningún tipo de desarrollo. Luego de ese frente marítimo-terrestre entonces viene la Zona de Interés Turístico, calificada como RIT (esto son las áreas verdes frente a la playa)”, confirmó la Junta.

A pesar de que la calificación RIT sí permite construcciones y así representa un riesgo para la reserva marina aledaña, Héctor Morales Vargas aseguró que Tres Palmas no corre peligro.

“El hecho de que (los terrenos aledaños a la reserva) tengan esa calificación no implica que puedas construir lo que te dice ese distrito... En ese lugar hay unas condiciones especiales de una reserva marina, de conservación de recursos y de una ruta escénica. Hay que considerar el Plan de Manejo que se presentó para evitar factores que la afecten. Eso es una responsabilidad total de los que pasen juicio de lo que se vaya a desarrollar allí y hoy somos nosotros: la Junta de Planificación”, afirmó Morales Vargas.

El ingeniero citó la disposición de Casos Especiales del Reglamento de Calificaciones de la JP, que impediría cualquier desarrollo desmedido en los terrenos de Tres Palmas o de cualquier otra zona de la Isla que presente “condiciones ambientales, estéticas o bellezas excepcionales”, entre otras características.

No obstante, expertos en biología marina consultados por este diario, hicieron hincapié en que los movimientos de tierra necesarios para construir son un peligro mortal para los corales. Una vez la tierra queda suelta, las lluvias la llevan al mar, donde es depositada sobre el arrecife.

“Lo que pasa es que la Reserva de Tres Palmas contiene el acropora palmata (coral cuerno de alce) que está en peligro de extinción. Es uno de los arrecifes principales que todavía queda vivo. Y este es uno de los corales menos tolerantes al sedimento”, manifestó el oceanógrafo Jorge R. García.

Esta es una de las condiciones ambientales que ha generado un consenso entre los diferentes sectores de la comunidad rincoeña que en noviembre pasado expresaron el rechazo al nuevo Reglamento de Calificación y la Zona de Interés Turístico (ZIT) que presentó la Junta de Planificación.

Gran oportunidad económica en Tres Palmas

Esta reserva marina de Rincón atrae turistas internacionales y de la Isla que desean interactuar con la naturaleza Mira el vídeo y la fotogalería

Por Edwin J. Rodríguez Rivera / edwin.rodriguez@elnuevodia.com

Nota del editor: Esta es la segunda de dos historias.
La Reserva Marina Tres Palmas se ha convertido en un poderoso gancho de publicidad para que las hospederías de Rincón atraigan turistas internacionales y locales, según un estudio realizado por el Centro Interdisciplinario de Estudios del Litoral (CIEL).

“Hay un gran interés en la Reserva de Tres Palmas. La gente está viniendo a verla y está interesada en conservarla. Es que es increíble. Tú das dos pasos y te arrodillas debajo del agua y ves toda la vida marina. Peces, tortugas y los corales… es impresionante”, expresó el director del CIEL, Manuel Valdés Pizzini.
En palabras del recreacionista marino Ruperto Chaparro, Rincón posee la “gallinita de los huevos de oros”, en cuanto a turismo de naturaleza se refiere.

Relacionadas
• Triunfo ecológico para Rincón
El “snorkeling”, el surfing, el ciclismo por la carretera 413 y la fotografía son algunas de las actividades que atraen a diversos turistas hasta Tres Palmas.
“Todo esto es recreación. La recreación es más importante que el turismo pues el puertorriqueño está 12 meses en la Isla y representa un impacto mayor en la economía”, afirmó el también director del Programa Sea Grant de la UPR.
Según Chaparro, el concepto de turismo de naturaleza es distinto al turismo que se vende en la Isla: un turismo de sol y playa, en el que predominan los grandes hoteles.

“No hay una política pública del Gobierno en torno a promover el turismo de naturaleza. Hay que diversificar nuestro atractivo turístico. Siempre son el mismo tipo de proyectos: el hotel grande, con el casino, campo de golf con el ‘time sharing’. Y se sabe que el turismo de naturaleza y ecoturismo son los renglones que más están creciendo”, coincidió María Juncos, directora del Centro de Estudios para el Desarrollo Sustentable de la Universidad Metropolitana.

Pero con todo el potencial económico, turístico y recreativo que ofrece Tres Palmas, ¿cómo se puede desarrollar el área, sin destruir su frágil ecología y valor estético?
“Cualquier tipo de proyecto o desarrollo cerca de la Reserva Marina Tres Palmas, debe ser sustentable. De manera que no solo beneficie al desarrollador, sino también al pequeño comerciante, los residentes y los visitantes”, apuntó el planificador Carlos Carrero.

Por su parte, María Juncos explicó que algunas características para que una estructura se considere sustentable son: que la construcción controle la erosión y sedimentación, proteja la flora y la fauna y que la estructura no tape el aspecto visual del recurso. También utilizan materiales reciclados en su construcción y la gente de la comunidad se convierten en los proveedores de servicios y vigilantes de la reserva.

“Cuando hablo de bajo impacto, hablo de eco-hospederías en las que se enfatice la conservación y reciclaje de agua. También son estructuras que utilizan energía renovable”, abundó María Juncos.

Asimismo, Ruperto Chaparro opinó que otra alternativa de desarrollo para Tres Palmas es un pequeño centro de información para educar a los visitantes sobre la biodiversidad marina de la reserva y sobre el uso adecuado de la misma.
“Puede ser un edificio en madera, unos baños de composta y se deja una zona de amortiguamiento con vegetación… pero el Gobierno tendrá que arrendar o comprar los terrenos frente a Tres Palmas porque no nos podemos correr el riesgo de que vayan a construir unos condóminos al frente”, concluyó el recreacionista marino.

Trestles can now add 'beavers' to list of special things

2010-02-09T17:25:00.000-08:00

Environment News

Amazing Discovery Highlights Biologically Diverse Watershed

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 5 February, 2010 : - - San Clemente -- This week, San Onofre State Park officers discovered a North American Beaver at the river mouth of the San Mateo Creek. According to State Parks officials, the species was once a native species to the San Mateo Creek area, but were thought to be largely extinct in the area.

Officials speculate that the animal may be related to a small population of beaver, which was re-introduced into the Santa Margarita watershed by the Department of Fish and Game in the 1940‚s as a means of erosion control. Since then, the beaver have migrated to nearby creeks and watersheds in the area, including those in the Cleveland National Forest and San Mateo Creek.

While State Parks officials are unclear about where this specific beaver originally resided, they are sure it came from one of the streams that flows into the San Mateo Creek. San Mateo Creek has been the site of an ongoing battle between the Surfrider Foundation and other environmental groups, and the Transportation Corridor Agencies, who are seeking to build a toll road project through the watershed.

"This discovery supports our assertion that the San Mateo Creek has a thriving watershed ecosystem that deserves the highest level of protection from its source in the mountains to the ocean," says Mark Rauscher, Surfrider Foundation's Assistant Environmental Director.

According to State Park scientists, the animal had suffered trama prior to being found and unfortunately succumbed to those injuries after being captured.

About Surfrider Foundation: The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world‚s oceans, waves and beaches. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over 50,000 members and 90 chapters worldwide.

Global Warming and Climate Change in the Caribbean; should we be scared?

2010-02-07T18:03:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday night at Surfrider Foundation Rincon's monthly meeting we had a visiting professor, Dr. Amos Winter from the Department of Marine Sciences at UPRM, and his student Juan Estrella present 'Global Warming and Climate Change in the Caribbean; should we be scared?' Below is a summary of their presentation. Some of the information was taken from the work of Wally Broecker.

Dr. Winter started off the presentation by explaining some figures and graphs related to historical climate variability, fossil fuel coupled sea level rise models, and where we should be in relation to our relationship with the environment (we are not where we should be). Before he handed over the rest of the presentation to his student, Juan Estrella, he explained the consequences of global warming and climate change. He mentioned that there are many repercussions of global warming; sea level rise, increase in the frequency and intensity of storms, increased global mean temperature, arctic shrinkage, arctic methane release, increased evaporation, erosion, changes in precipitation patterns resulting in floods and droughts, changes in circulation patterns of marine currents, spread of disease, increased probability and intensity of droughts and heat waves, economic consequences, global ecosystem out of balance, virus and wars.

Juan Estrella started off his portion of the presentation by leading into a discussion of different scenarios that we are facing. He mentioned that there are different scenarios that you can base the global warming situation off of. The first was coined by the presenters as the ‘business as usual’ scenario in which we continue to burn fossil fuels as we always have (+ 2 ppm/yr). The assumption under this scenario is that energy use will double by 2050 as the global population rises. This will elevate the CO2 concentration (2 ppm yearly will lead to 550 ppm CO2 by 2050 (present concentration = 390 ppm) in the atmosphere. The second scenario presented was the ‘prudent-cap’ where there is an eventual global halt in CO2 input into the atmosphere. They predicted that if the stop was initiated by countries and societies around the world we would still reach 560 ppm before everyone was able to completely become fossil fuel independent. They went on to say that it would take at least 50 years to completely implement a scheme, after it was initiated (~2035), to rid our dependence of fossil fuels. This would be by roughly 2085.

Why is CO2 the culprit for global warming? As sunlight enters the Earths atmosphere as short-wave hi energy radiation it is reflected and re-absorbed as long-wave radiation by CO2 and other greenhouse gases (water vapor, methane, aerosols, etc.) This long-wave radiation is trapped in the atmosphere by these greenhouse gases causing the ‘greenhouse effect’ which increases the global temperature. According to all climatogical models, planet temperature rises when CO2 is added to the atmosphere. In essence, the greenhouse effect is a positive feedback loop where the addition of more CO2 will trap in more long-wave radiation increasing the lower atmospheric temperature leading to an increase in evaporation. Higher evaporation rates produces more gas (water vapor) which traps in more radiation and the cycle repeats itself with the addition of more CO2 into the atmosphere. As a result, the aforementioned consequences arise (i.e. land-based ice melting, sea-level rise, global temperature increase).

According to the presenters the ‘naysayers,’ people in denial of global warming, claim that the warming in the last 30 years was because of the sun (with no supporting data), that warming in the early and late 20th century had no known man-made cause (which is true, but our planets climate has changed on its own as much as we have with greenhouse gases), and that the climate is no warmer than it has been in the last 12,000 yrs (which is also true, but the models predict that if we continue with ‘business as usual’ the temperature will rise far more). With those arguments presented, it is more clear why the majority of the world’s scientists agree that increases in CO2 is inducing an accelerated global climate change.

In order to relieve the environment from these global warming affects, the presenters listed a ‘road map for carbon management.’ They mentioned that we need a world-wide consensus mandating the reduction of the use of CO2, but also to diversify our use of alternate sources. Types of alternate sources that could be used by the world are hydrogen, solar, biomass, hydropower, wind, and nuclear. Some of these are more promising the others. For instance, hydrogen needs manufacturing and it also presents a storage problem so is not collectively thought to be the best option. Biomass production uses as much fossil fuels as it replaces and it presents the problem of fuel versus food. Solar is currently too expensive, but the technology is steadily moving forward so the future in solar may be promising. Wind is largely a local source and not a regional/global source, while nuclear energy looks the most probable for a clean alternative. But, nuclear power presents two problems, waste and probable terrorists attack. While the conservation of CO2 addition and alternate sources of energy are prescisely the way we should be moving we also need to enhance our ability to capture and store the CO2 in the atmosphere. According to the presenters, there was a method developed by Klaus Lackner to capture CO2 molecules and makes them into a liquid. They added that there is a wide range of storage sites being proposed (including deep aquiders, deep ocean, Antarctic lakes, etc.). In the end, the presenters mentioned that we need a ‘leveling of the playing field’ where there is an international agreement to clean the atmosphere by conserving, using alternates, and CO2 capture and storage methodologies.

Judith Enck, Regional Administrator of Region 2 visits Puerto Rico

2010-02-07T15:18:00.000-08:00

On February 4th, 2010, a host of environmentalists had the opportunity to meet the new Regional Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). She was appointed to this position on November 5, 2009. The states and territories included in Region 2 are New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and seven federally recognized Indian Nations. Region 2 oversees programs, initiatives, and issues related to air and water pollution, industrial discharges, toxic substances, pesticides, protection of streams, lakes and the ocean, solid and hazardous wastes, the cleanup of chemical spills and abandoned hazardous waste sites, and much more. This meeting presented the unique opportunity for representatives from Sea Grant UPRM, Sierra Club PR, CORALations, UPR-Rio Piedras, local EPA representatives, Cuidadanos Del Karso, Asociación Nacional de Derecho Ambiental, Inter American University, and more to meet Mrs. Enck and discuss the many environmental issues plaguing the island.

The issues raised illuminated a harsh reality of the numerous problems affecting Puerto Rico’s natural resources. Most of the issues addressed were related to water quality problems, i.e. waste treatment plant inefficiencies, wetland and watershed destruction, the disposal of coal ash, karst degradation groundwater pollution, and air quality problems, ie. degraded air quality from coal-fired power-plants, downwind exposure, and unexploded ordinance and health effects (just to name a few). After the round table discussion, Judith interrupted the glum feeling that surrounded the table after listing these numerous problems with a few positive notes. She mentioned that she will do everything in her power, including working with major politicians to pass through congress a ‘bottle bill’ (aka container deposit laws) that have been a proven, sustainable method of collecting bottles and cans for recycling. Typically, the refund value of the bottle or can is 5 or 10 cents, which provides a monetary incentive to return the item for recycling. Mrs. Enck mentioned that she would want a 10 cent incentive. Everyone in the room agreed that this would be a great way to curb the prolific littering that inundates the roadways and beaches around the island principally consisting of plastic and glass containers.

Surfrider restores Rincón beach to former glory

2010-02-01T16:53:00.000-08:00

Puerto Rico Daily Sun - Monday, February 1st, 2010
By Nathalia Vega

RINCÓN
You are greeted with a sign with the image of a whale that reads “Playa Marías.” You park your car and take a glimpse of the tropical vegetation that is the gateway to a bright blue ocean and white sand. You close your eyes and feel the breeze blowing through your hair. The artistic display of the sun reflected on the ocean was just what you needed to complete this masterpiece. Immediately you think: “This is paradise.”

But Playa Marías was not always this way. Its beauty was hidden under a sea of spare tires, soda cans and plastic bags. Under the wing of the Surfrider Foundation, it has been transformed from a neglected beach to a beautiful, clean and accessible paradise for everyone to enjoy.

“There was trash all over the place. You couldn’t even park in the parking lot,” Surfrider chairman Wess Merten said.

Watering the plants, pulling weeds, mulching, and cleaning the beach were just some of the activities that Surfrider members and volunteers were doing to fix up Playa Marías on Jan. 23. This was the final event in the Playa Marías Restoration Project.
Located in Rincón, “the Town of Beautiful Sunsets,” Playa Marías is a well known surfing spot that attracts both tourists and locals.

“Maria’s Beach is legendary, ever since the 60s. It is the lifeblood of the community, and one of the most biodiverse and healthiest places around”, said Jason Epstein, treasurer of the foundation.

The Playa Marías Restoration Project started August 2009, when a group of volunteers installed new trash barrels at the beach and adjacent areas. During another event, they assembled 3 planting beds where over 75 shrubs were planted. “We planted vegetation to stabilize the soil. One of the main problems that beaches face is the [erosion] of this soil, something that ultimately affects the coral reefs,” Merten said.

A week later the chapter paid over $600 for the parking lot to be fixed.
Now, Playa Marías is the object of amazement and surprise for those who knew it before.

Surfrider is a nonprofit, grassroots environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves and beaches. This beach is just one of the many projects that Surfrider Foundation in Rincón has done.

Their main proyect was Salva Tres Palmas, the environmental victory that gave life to the Tres Palmas Marine reserve, the first marine reserve in Puerto Rico.
For the Playa Marías Restoration Project, the foundation had the help of the municipality of Rincón, the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and private companies such as HC Wooden Pallets, Calypso café and Surf787 Surf School. Money is limited, so collaborators play an important role in the projects.
“There’s only so much that we can do by ourselves,” Merten said. The manual labor is done by a small but dedicated group of volunteers.

“Ever since we were little, we were taught to love our island. That’s why we do what we do”, said Cuqui González, a volunteer who picked up trash and filled water gallons while her husband Alexis Henriquez planted shrubs.

But there is already graffitti on the new trash barrels, and government zoning affect the work. Roger Wagner, owner of Surf787 surf school, said the main problem was in education and awareness of the problems that beach littering can bring.
“One solution to the trash problem would be consistent enforcement of the littering laws and the initiation of school programs to educate children about the importance of protecting their beaches,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Surfrider Foundation plans to continue their efforts to clean up restore and improve the island’s environment. “It may seem like a small area, but it has a big impact,” Merten said. The next events include filming a documentary about coral reefs, hosting a fundraiser, finding another site to restore, and preparing for the upcoming International Surf Day in June.

They’ve got their hands full. “Volunteering your time to preserve and conserve our natural resources can help the future generations to appreciate those resources that we enjoyed when we were young. Once they are destroyed, they are lost forever,” the Surfrider representative declared.

For more information on the Surfrider Foundation, log on to www.surfrider.org/Rincón.

NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program

2010-01-31T17:33:00.000-08:00

NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program places a Coral Management Fellow in Rincon, PR

Fellowship Overview

The NOAA Coral Reef Management Fellowship Program was established to respond to the need for additional coral reef management capacity in the U.S. Flag Pacific and Caribbean islands. The program has been expanded to include Florida in the 2010-2012 cycle. The program provides the state and territorial coral reef management agencies with highly qualified candidates whose education and work experience meet each island's specific needs, while providing the individual fellows with professional experience in coastal and coral reef resources management.

Each jurisdiction develops a separate Statement of Work which contains project descriptions, goals and objectives, minimum and desired qualifications, and salary, among other information. The Statements of Work uniquely reflect each jurisdiction's particular needs, complementing other ongoing local projects and management activities. Successful candidates will meet these needs.

The fellow placed in Rincon, Puerto Rico, is Rina Hauptfeld. She graduated from the University of Washington with a masters degree in marine affairs. She has recently relocated to Rincon to begin working with regional and local agencies including the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER)(the hosting agency), Centro Interdisciplinario de Estudios del Litoral, Sea Grant, and the chapter of The Surfrider Foundation in Rincon. We are all very pleased to welcome her into the community and look forward to collaborating with her and these other agencies in developing her work plan. Come meet the new fellow this Thursday night, February 4th, 2010 at Surfrider Foundation Rincon's monthly meeting. She will give a brief introduction of herself, her interest in NOAA's coral reef conservation program, and conduct a scoping activity with the participants to help her begin to develop her work plan. The work plan is due no later than three months from when she begins her appointment. So, come help voice your opinion about the outreach and education needed, the focus groups to be involved, and the ideas on your mind this Thursday!

Junta de Planificacion Proposed Rezoning of coastal areas for Rincon and Anasco

2010-01-31T14:32:00.000-08:00

The coastal areas of Rincón and Añasco, including the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, are under threat.

In a hearing on November 17th, 2009, at the Mayor's building, the Puerto Rico Planning Board (Junta de Planificacion) presented plans to rezone coastal areas from Puntas in Rincón to Añasco to make way for 'small' hotels, parking lots, etc. Below is a map of the plans.

Photo: Above is an example of one of the areas under threat. The photo represents the land adjacent to the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, in Rincon, Puerto Rico where the planning board is seeking to change the zoning to allow small hotels and other unknown concrete structures to be built.

Click here for the map of the planning boards plans.

Further below, the map is broken down into smaller components; under each image there is a link to a pdf. Here you can view the images in higher resolution.

Click here for a detailed description of the proposed plans in spanish.

Take action by sending a comment to the JP through our Action Alert.

Click here to access the Action Alert!

Additionally, you can submit comments in two other ways:

1. electronically to comentariosjp@jp.gobierno.pr

2. and most effectively by mail to

Hector Morales Vargas, Chairman of Junta de Planificacion
Loida Soto Nogueres, Secretary of Junta de Planificacion
Puerto Rico Planning Board
PO Box 41119
San Juan, PR 00940-1119

Click here to download and print a letter to be sent to the JP.

Please submit your comments about preserving Rincón and Añasco 's natural resources, and the precious Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, for generations to come.

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Area under consideration

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Legend

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Legend 2

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Area 1

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Area 2

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Area 3

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Area 4

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Puntas to Domes

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Marias to the Marina

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Balneario

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Sea Beach

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Corcega

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Barrero

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South Barrero

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Anasco 1

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Anasco 2

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Surfrider Foundation. 510 Winter, 2010

2010-01-25T19:44:00.000-08:00

Jim Moriarty, CEO of Surfrider Foundation, delivers five key issues in ten minutes for supporters, members and activists.

This video covers key metrics and accomplishments, the importance of engagement and new toolsets that transform the movement of coastal conservation.

US must respond to coral concerns

2010-01-21T05:16:00.000-08:00

Suit Will Be Filed to Protect 83 Corals Threatened by Global Warming, Ocean Acidification

The Center for Biological Diversity has formally notified the National Marine Fisheries Service of its intent to sue the agency for its failure to respond to a petition seeking to protect 83 imperiled coral species under the Endangered Species Act. These corals, all of which occur in U.S. waters ranging from Florida and Hawaii to U.S. territories in the Caribbean and Pacific, face a growing threat of extinction due to rising ocean temperatures caused by global warming, and the related threat of ocean acidification. The Endangered Species Act requires that the National Marine Fisheries Service respond to the petition within 90 days, and this initial finding is delinquent.

“Within a few decades, global warming and ocean acidification threaten to completely destroy magnificent coral reefs that took millions of years to build,” said Miyoko Sakashita, oceans director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Timing is of the essence to reverse the tragic decline of these vitally important reefs, and we can’t afford any delays in protecting corals under the Endangered Species Act.”

Among the group's list of 83 species is the mountainous star coral, once considered the dominant reef building coral in the Atlantic, and the ivory tree coral, a branching coral found in the Caribbean whose delicate limbs provide shelter for numerous reef fish.

Sakashita said protection under the Endangered Species Act would create new conservation opportunities and provide for greater scrutiny of fishing, dredging and offshore oil development.

Reef-building coral is a fragile organism, a tiny polyp-like animal that builds a calcium-carbonate shell around itself and survives in a symbiotic relationship with types of algae — each providing sustenance to the other. Even a 1 degree Celsius (1.7 degree Fahrenheit) rise in normal maximum sea temperatures can disrupt that relationship.

Unusually warm waters in recent years has caused the animals that make up coral to expel the colorful algae they live with, creating a bleached color. If the problem persists, the coral itself dies — killing the environment where many fish and other marine organisms live.

Corals around the world are being stressed by rising sea temperatures. Carbon dioxide released by burning fossil fuels is absorbed by the oceans, making the waters more acidic and corrosive on corals. Land-based pollution, such as sewage, beach erosion, coastal development and overfishing also are to blame, experts say.

Also Wednesday, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a new review for two rare U.S. Virgin Island plants, the agave eggersiana and solanum conocarpum, in response to a Center for Biological Diversity complaint challenging the agency's 2006 decision not to give them federal protection.

Scientists have warned that coral reefs are likely to be the first worldwide ecosystem to collapse due to global warming; all world’s reefs could be ruined by 2050. When corals are stressed by warm ocean temperatures, they are vulnerable to bleaching and death. Mass bleaching events have become much more frequent and severe as ocean temperatures have risen in recent decades. Scientists predict that most of the world’s corals will be subjected to mass bleaching events at deadly frequencies within 20 years on our current emissions path.

For more information about the Center’s coral conservation campaign, visit:
http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/campaigns/coral_conservation/index.html.

The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with 255,000 members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.

Noticias de Isabela; Salvemos Arrecife de Shacks - Save Shacks Reef

2010-01-16T13:14:00.001-08:00

Saludos a todos,

Por favor, hagan un esfuerzo para asistir a esta conferencia el jueves 21 de enero, 2010 en Isabela (6:30pm). Rescate Playas Isabela y la Liga Ecológica del Noroeste están trabajando juntos para encontrar formas de proteger mejor el ecosistema de los arrecifes en la Playa "Shacks" (Playa El Bajo), Isabela. Hemos invitado a un experto (Manuel Valdés Pizzini, PhD) en las áreas marinas protegidas (AMP) para informarnos sobre las diversas opciones disponibles para nuestra comunidad. Después de haber escuchado a los presentadores (será en español) necesitamos conocer sus opiniones en cuanto a si usted cree que esta es una buena opción para el lugar, o no .

Como se esperaba, algunos pescadores están muy en contra de la idea, esperamos que estará allí también. En resumen - este arrecife nos ofrece muchos servicios - ?Lo que queremos proteger para las generaciones futuras?

Quien: Rescate Playas Isabela y la Liga Ecológica del Noroeste
Donde: Anfiteatro Justo Mendez, detras Iglesia pueblo Isabela
Cuando: jueves 21 de enero, 2010 en Isabela a la 6:30 por la tarde
Cientifico Invitado: Dr. Manuel Valdez-Pizzini

Acceso Rescate Playas Isablea para mas informacion.

Donate Money to aid in Humanitarian Efforts in Haiti

2010-01-16T05:42:00.000-08:00

By (CNN) -- As relief assistance continues in Haiti, agencies are asking people for money, not material goods, to keep those efforts going. Most organizations will use the money donated to purchase immediate needs, such as water, food, shelter and medical supplies.

These agencies have set up phone lines, online donation pages and even texting for individuals to contribute to their relief efforts. We've compiled a list of a few organizations who are in Haiti helping those in need.

These resources include the highest-rated charities by charitynavigator.org which is an independent, nonprofit organization that evaluates charity groups based on effectiveness and financial stability. These sites are vetted by CNN journalists for credibility.

Click here for other links to help the people of Haiti.

Click here for a link to the Clinton Bush Haiti fund to donate money to help the people of Haiti.

Click here for a link to America Cares.org to donate money to help the people of Haiti.

Click here for a link to the American Jewish World Service to donate money to the people of Haiti.

Click here for a link to Care.org to donate money to help the people of Haiti.

Click here for links to Habitat for Humanity.org to donate money to help the people of Haiti.

Dear Friends,

(I apologized in advance if you receive multiple copies of this email, or if you received this accidentally. I quickly combined several mailing lists. I am also sending this to news organizations so that they know what is happening with our organization.)

As many of you know, I (Tom Spontelli) traveled to Haiti four months ago in the Fall of 2009 to help a NGO with school construction. Many of you who supported this project have been anxious for news about the children, staff, and volunteers that you have helped to support. I am sorry that it has taken me so long to get you the info, but communications have not flowed easily out of the capital.

The schools that our organization has constructed are one story buildings with ceilings, walls, floors and foundations of poured reinforced concrete. Many of you donated money to these efforts. I am very pleased to inform that the schools that we have built have withstood the earthquakes without injuries, fatalities, or damage. The staff, the orphans residing at the schools, and children who were at the school in Port au Prince at the time are without injury! Unfortunately, things are much MUCH worse outside the compound.

The “disaster resistant” buildings were built for “dual-use” so that they could also be used as community disaster shelters in time of emergency or natural disaster. Well, this is one of those times! The well-built school that I worked on in Anse-a-Pitre, Haiti, (and that many of you donated money for) is now functioning as a shelter for refugee orphans from Port au Prince, who no longer have any family members to take care of them. They will remain there until the situation in Port au Prince is resolved. Orphans from Port au Prince are in transit as we speak.

The school in Port au Prince was built on the border of the largest and poorest slum in Port au Prince, which (at the best of times) is the most crowded and desperate city in Haiti, the poorest country in our hemisphere. That school was built there because that is where it was most needed.

Now, Port au Prince, is in ruins and the situation is becoming desperate.

I have included a recent email from one of the school’s volunteers, Amber Munger, who is on the ground in Haiti. Amber is trying to coordinate long term relief efforts on the ground in Port au Prince. Amber works with Ananda Marga, the international organization of which Puerto Rico’s Fundacion NeoHumanista is a part.

Since her email came in, we have found a way to safely transfer funds from the Puerto Rico foundation into the hands of her organization in the streets of Port au Prince. We are sending people’s donations directly to the workers on the ground in Haiti. Over 95% of any money you donate will go directly to this organization’sw work on Haiti relief in 24 hours, to Amber and her “Ananda Marga” and Fundacion Neo-Humanista colleagues.

Those of you who know me personally and wish to do so can drop off money directly at my restaurant (Natural High Café in Aguadilla) which will be deposited in the bank account of Fundacion NeoHumanista. You can make checks payable to Fundacion NeoHumanista, or can deposit donations directly into their Western bank account number: #2204004133.

We will also be setting up a paypal donation page this weekend, so that you can make direct deposits into the Foundations Account. This webpage will also have the NPO certificates on file and you will be able to get a receipt.
Thank you for your time and concern. I would also like to thank those who donated money in the past, it was your donations that helped us build strong buildings that saved lives of Haitian children. You are my hero!

All the best,

Tom Spontelli

(Pictures of my fall trip are available at Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomspontelli) The Puerto Rican branch of this organization is called El Fundacion Neo-Huminista (The Neo Humanist Foundation) which is a secular charity organization dedicated to doing good works normally done by church groups. (Neo-Humanism: “Be good for goodness sake.”) Ananda Marga is an amazing international organization based out of India dedicated to the betterment of all living things through the practices of yoga, meditation, education and physical acts of charity.

Hi everyone,

Thank you for your powerful and affirming support.

Communications from the school and volunteers is very difficult. The most that we are able to get is a one or two minute phone call from the director of the School over a bad staticky connection before it is lost.

Here is the latest news (as far as we can make out from our last call): The school in Port au Prince (Bourdon) is now an emergency relief center and is located in next the worst slum in Port au Prince. This emergency center and its volunteers have served over 10,000 hot meals. There is also a doctor at the center providing emergency medical services. Unfortunately, as of this morning, their stockpiled food supply is running out.

We have had even more distressing news this evening. Their reserves of water will run out in the next day or so. There is an amazing amount of work being done here, but the well-prepared resources are running low. There are water resources in the area but purification equipment is needed. (I have heard that the stench of death from the collapsed buildings around the school is becoming very powerful and the danger to the groundwater increases daily.)

Cash donations are needed, but we also need volunteers to work the phones and send emails trying to get supplies and equipment to the School Emergency Relief Center. We have spent today contacting any organization with supplies on the ground to get them to the school to serve the most desperate slum in the city. If you have time to volunteer from you home, contact me and you can help us hunt down aid and supplies for the school. We have contacted all the major group bringing in supplies, and we are told, “we are told that the information will be passed on.” We need individuals to act as point persons working with each agencies making sure supplies are delivered. We also need volunteers to hunt down contact information for journalists and news producers on the ground in Haiti and get them to the school to shine a spotlight on where resources are needed. You can help hunt down and contact smaller charities that are raising money for Haiti Relief and channel those resources to this emergency disaster center. You can help us hound government leaders in the US and PR and get supplies to this location. There are many specific jobs you can do from your home that may save thousands of lives in the next few days.

This is doable and does work.

This is an amazing group volunteers in Haiti who are doing a phenomenal job of serving the neediest in the absolutely most desperate part of the poorest city in our hemisphere at its darkest hour. They need your help.

You can absolutely make a difference and save lives by volunteering your time or donating cash.

Contact me if you are good at making phone calls or surfing the web and emailing. We need your help.

Cash is also desperately needed to get equipment to help this center serve thousands of hurt and desperate people. Hilda Rojas, Director of “Fundacion NeoHumanista” in PR has found a way to safely transfer funds from the Puerto Rico NeoHumanist Foundation into the hands of Amber’s organization in the streets of Port au Prince. You can make checks payable to Fundacion NeoHumanista, or can deposit donations directly into their Western bank account number: #2204004133.

Here is the physical address of the school-turned-relief-center:

Ecole Ananda Marga

Rue Garnier,
Impasse Dumond,
Bourdon,
Port au Prince, Haiti

phone 509-3734-7943

Please contact me if you can help.

All the best,
Tom Spontelli

Five Months of Restoration at Playa Marias

2010-01-10T09:35:00.000-08:00

Below is a movie created and edited by a chapter volunteer Tsunami Ortiz. The photos and video used in the movie were taken at each of the events. The first event was on August 24th when a dedicated group of volunteers installed 4 of 12 new trash barrels at Playa Marias. The next event was on September 18th, 2009, when a large group of volunteers cleaned the beach and cut down weeds in collaboration with Scuba Dogs. The third event was a shrub/tree planting event on October 24th which amounted in the development of 3 planting beds where over 75 shrubs were planted. A week later the chapter paid for the parking lot to be fixed; $600 dollars went towards fixing the upper and lower portion of the lot using 'tosque.' The last two events were maintenance days on November 11th, and December 19th, 2009. After five months and 7 events the parking lot and coastal area at Playa Marias is looking very sharp. Watch the movie below to see all the dedicated volunteers who helped make it possible.

The next event at Playa Marias is on Saturday, January 23rd, 2010. The event will begin at 8:00 am and go until 12:00 pm. At this event we will be fixing the stakes and string around the beds, watering the plants, pulling weeds, mulching, and cleaning the beach. For more information feel free to email us at salvatrespalmas@surfrider.org. Come help make a difference!

Rise Up

2010-01-08T06:47:00.000-08:00

The Colbert Report

Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Charles Moore

www.colbertnation.com

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor

Economy

Científicos Reafirman Valor del Corredor Ecológico del Noreste

2009-12-14T17:44:00.000-08:00

Científicos Reafirman Valor del Corredor Ecológico del Noreste

Lunes, 14 de diciembre de 2009

Fajardo – Sobre 50 investigadores, profesores y estudiantes de ciencias marinas y biología se dieron cita el pasado fin de semana al Corredor Ecológico del Noreste (CEN) para realizar un inventario de las especies que allí habitan. Los investigadores, quienes se concentraron en los ecosistemas terrestres y marinos en la mitad este del Corredor, dieron con la ubicación de sobre 15 colonias del coral cuerno de alce (Acropora palmata), amenazado de extinción, así como con 5 especies terrestres que no habían sido observadas anteriormente en el área.

“A los más de 15 biólogos marinos que participamos de este esfuerzo nos impresionó la estructura arrecifal y la diversidad de especies, tanto de coral como de otros organismos halladas en el Corredor. De hecho, tuvimos la oportunidad de avistar un individuo de carey (Eretmochelys imbricata), especie de tortuga marina en peligro de extinción, y que depende estrechamente de las comunidades de coral,“ informó Stacy Williams, candidata doctoral del Departamento de Ciencias Marinas de la Universidad de Puerto Rico (UPR) en Mayagüez, quien coordinó la fase marina del inventario.

Esta añadió que documentaron también varias especies de peces, moluscos y crustáceos de valor comercial, algunas de las cuales podrían utilizar las aguas del Corredor como refugio en sus primeras etapas de vida, para luego migrar a aguas más profundas en donde podrían ser capturados por pescadores de la región.

Luis Jorge Rivera Herrera, planificador y científico ambiental de Iniciativa para un Desarrollo Sustentable (IDS), organización afiliada a la Coalición Pro Corredor Ecológico del Noreste, señaló por su parte que “las observaciones y datos obtenidos a través del inventario biológico confirman el gran valor ecológico del Corredor, según estudios realizados previamente por agencias federales y estatales, entre otros, en los cuales se documentaron sobre 850 especies de flora y fauna, así como 54 consideradas críticas por el Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales (DRNA). A su vez, demuestra la necesidad de proteger la integridad del Corredor y con ello, la validez de conservar su delimitación original como reserva natural, contrario a lo que ha pretendido hacer la administración del Gobernador Luis Fortuño a través del Secretario del DRNA y el Presidente de la Junta de Planificación.”

El inventario biológico contó con la participación de investigadores provenientes de los recintos de Bayamón, Humacao, Mayagüez, Carolina y Río Piedras de la UPR, así como de la Universidad Metropolitana en Cupey, la Sociedad de Ambiente Marino, el Programa Sea Grant de la UPR, y varios capítulos de la organización estudiantil de la Sociedad Ecológica de América (“SEEDS”, por sus siglas en inglés). Según se informó, estos continuaran los trabajos en enero de 2010.

El Corredor Ecológico del Noreste ha sido reconocido por agencias y organizaciones conservacionistas internacionales como una de las de mayor valor natural en Puerto Rico y el Caribe. Su protección como reserva natural, junto a su desarrollo ecoturístico, ha sido apoyada por numerosas entidades como el Servicio Forestal Federal, el Servicio Federal de Pesca y Vida Silvestre, el Fideicomiso de Conservación, la Sociedad Puertorriqueña de Planificación y la Coalición Ecuménica e Interreligiosa, entre otras, así como miembros de la comunidad científica de la Isla, grupos comunitarios, organizaciones conservacionistas internacionales, representantes de la comunidad puertorriqueña en EE.UU. y personalidades como los actores Benicio del Toro, Edward James Olmos, entre otros. En un hecho inusual, este esfuerzo contó también con el apoyo tripartita de la mayoría de los miembros de la Legislatura durante el pasado cuatrienio.

Contactos:
Camilla Feibelman (Sierra Club): (787) 688-6214
Luis Jorge Rivera Herrera (IDS): (787) 460-8315

Camilla Feibelman
Sierra Club de Puerto Rico
PO Box 21552 SJ, PR 00931-1552
787.688.6214
camilla.feibelman@sierraclub.org
www.puertorico.sierraclub.org

Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul. ~John Muir

Does this story sound familiar?

2009-11-24T14:19:00.000-08:00

Dominican Town Explores Ecotourism

In the Dominican Republic, a small town long troubled by poverty is fighting to hold onto its beaches and transform them into a low-key, environmentally sustainable tourist destination.

The goal is a tourism economy, but not typically Caribbean all-inclusive “high volume, low cost, keep churning the people through” tourism, said Donald J. Melnick, a conservation biologist who is co-director of the Columbia center.

Dr. Melnick said participants envisioned small-scale, low-impact ecotourism that would sustain the environment rather than degrade it. And, as much as possible, the environment will stay in local hands.

Read the story and check out the video from the New York Times

Miniature Robots to Swarm the Oceans

2009-11-12T18:26:00.000-08:00

By LiveScience Staff

posted: 10 November 2009 01:08 pm ET

Swarms of soup-can-sized robots will soon plunge into the ocean seeking data on poorly understood phenomena from currents to biology.

With $2.5 million in new funding from the National Science Foundation, researchers at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography will create and deploy fleets of autonomous underwater explorers (AUEs) to explore the depths. Tens or hundreds of pint-sized robots would be deployed along with one the size of a soccer ball, in setups repeated wherever they are needed.

"AUEs will give us information to figure out how small organisms survive, how they move in the ocean, and the physical dynamics they experience as they get around," said Scripps researcher Peter Franks. "AUEs should improve ocean models and allow us to do a better job of following 'the weather and climate of the ocean,' as well as help us understand things like carbon fluxes."

Researchers have some pretty good data on the ocean as a whole, but many localized phenomena are not well understood.

By defining localized currents, temperature, salinity, pressure and biological properties, AUEs will offer new and valuable information about a range of ocean phenomena, according to an NSF statement released today. The 'bot swarms will aid in obtaining information needed for developing marine protected areas, determining critical nursery habitats for fish and other animals, tracking harmful algae blooms, and monitoring oil spills.

For marine protected areas, AUEs will help inform debates about the best areas for habitat protection. With harmful algal blooms and oil spills, the instruments can be deployed directly into outbreak patches to gauge how they develop and change over time. In the case of an airplane crash over the ocean, AUEs should be able to track currents to determine where among the wreckage a black box may be located.

"AUEs will fill in gaps between existing marine technologies," said Scripps researcher Jules Jaffe. "They will provide a whole new kind of information."

Franks, who conducts research on marine phytoplankton, says that "plankton are somewhat like the balloons of the ocean floating around out there. With AUEs, we're trying to figure out how the ocean works at scales that matter to plankton.

"If we place 100 AUEs in the ocean and let them go, we'll be able to look at how they move to get a sense of the physics driving current flows."

During the pilot phase of the project, Jaffe and colleagues will build five to six of the soccer-ball-sized explorers and 20 of the smaller versions. An outreach component of the project will enlist school children in building and ultimately deploying AUEs.

Part 2; Coastal Restoration between Marias and Indicators

2009-11-08T16:28:00.001-08:00

This past weekend 10 volunteers helped plant 20 trees that included 4 mahoganies, 12 coconut palms, and 8 washingtonia palms, along with 60 'sea lettuce' plants in an area between Playa Marias and Indicators. This work is a part of our 'Sea to Summit' campaign working towards watershed protection. Check out the slideshow of the event below.

Special thanks go out to HC Wooden Pallets Inc. for lettings us use your truck and countless bags of mulch to help in our coastal restoration project as well as the dedicated volunteers for working hard in the hot sun.

Marias Parking Lot Gets a Face Lift

2009-11-08T16:17:00.000-08:00

Recently, the chapter of the Surfrider Foundation in Rincon noticed a break between swells and rainfall evetns and took advantage of this opportunity to pay to have tosque delivered to marias to fix the parking lot. Watch the slideshow below to see the before, during and after images of this work. A special thanks to the Municipality of Rincon for helping to properly set the tosque in the parking lot.

During the next break in the string of swells we have lined up for ourselves we will finish what we started. For questions, comments, or suggestions please contact the chapter at salvatrespalmas@yahoo.com, or salvatrespalmas@surfrider.org.

Help Protect the Northeast Corridor

2009-11-04T15:58:00.000-08:00

¡TinglArte en Defensa del Corredor Ecológico del Noreste!

Trae a tu familia y amigos,

aprende sobre el Corredor y los tinglares,

prepara tu petición al gobernador…

para luego caminar a Fortaleza

Sábado, 7 de noviembre, 1:00pm

Plaza de Armas, Viejo San Juan

(frente a la Alcaldía de San Juan)

Coalicion Pro Corredor Ecológico del Noreste

PO Box 21552 SJ, PR 00931-1552

787.688.6214

camilla.feibelman@sierraclub.org

Sierra Club Puerto Rico

Part 1 of 2; Tree and Shrub Planting Between Marias and Indicators

2009-10-26T16:40:00.000-07:00

This past weekend more than 20 volunteers came out to help plant shrubs and trees around the coastal area of Playa Marias. This initiative is a part of our "Sea to Summit" campaign working towards habitat and coastal restoration. Check out the video slideshow below.

Part two of this series will take place on Saturday November 7th from 8 am to noon. We will meet between Marias and Indicators.

A special thanks to Jim Westfall for providing the art.

This work is being done in collaboration with the Department of Natural Resources, the Municipality of Rincon, and HC Wooden Pallets, Inc. We would like to thank them for their generosity in helping in this effort.

Please bring yard tools: shovels, rakes, machetes, and weed wackers. Water will be provided.

Part 1 of 2; Tree and Shrub Planting Between Marias and Indicators

2009-10-16T07:45:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, October 24th, at 9am at Playa Marias.

Surfrider Foundation Rincon in collaboration with the Department of Natural Resources, the Municipality of Rincon, and HC Wooden Pallets, Inc. will be planting shrubs and trees from Playa Marias to Indicators. The event will begin at 9 am at Playa Marias. Please bring yard tools: shovels, rakes, machetes, and weed wackers. Water will be provided.

A special thanks to Jim Westfall for providing the art.

The second part of this series will take place on Saturday November 7th. This initiative is a part of our "Sea to Summit" campaign working towards habitat restoration.

Part 1 of 2; 12 new Trash Barrels from Domes to Steps

2009-10-14T20:21:00.000-07:00

Below is a slideshow from last Saturday's work installing 12 trash cans from Domes to Steps. Twelve more will be installed in the near future: 4 at the Black Eagle Marina, 2 at Corcega beach (site to be determined), 4 at Parking lots, and 2 more to be determined. If you have a suggestion on an area please let us know. Contact us at salvatrespalmas@surfrider.org

This work is a part of our "Sea to Summit" campaign. The materials were funded by Surf 787 Surf School and Surfrider Foundation Rincon.

EcoRock at UPRM

2009-10-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

October 22nd, 2009 at UPRM at 7 pm click here for an overview of the event

On October 24th, 2009, people all around the world will be gathering together to raise awareness about lowering the present amount of CO2 in the atmosphere from 387 parts per million (ppm) to 350 ppm to insure a safer climate for the world. Below is a video about this mission.

On October 22nd, Campus Verde from the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez will be holding an event called EcoRock. This event is being done to promote the International Day of Climate Action (October 24th)to raise awareness about was to reduce your carbon footprint and help lower the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere.

Below is some text taken from 350.org.

What does the number 350 mean?

350 is the most important number in the world—it's what scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Two years ago, after leading climatologists observed rapid ice melt in the Arctic and other frightening signs of climate change, they issued a series of studies showing that the planet faced both human and natural disaster if atmospheric concentrations of CO2 remained above 350 parts per million.

Everyone from Al Gore to the U.N.’s top climate scientist has now embraced this goal as necessary for stabilizing the planet and preventing complete disaster. Now the trick is getting our leaders to pay attention and craft policies that will put the world on track to get to 350.
Is 350 scientifically possible?

Right now, mostly because we’ve burned so much fossil fuel, the atmospheric concentration of co2 is 390 ppm—that’s way too high, and it’s why ice is melting, drought is spreading, forests are dying. To bring that number down, the first task is to stop putting more carbon into the atmosphere. That means a very fast transition to sun and wind and other renewable forms of power. If we can stop pouring more carbon into the atmosphere, then forests and oceans will slowly suck some of it out of the air and return us to safe levels.
Is 350 politically possible?

It’s very hard. It means switching off fossil fuel much more quickly than governments and corporations have been planning. Our best chance to speed up that process will come in December in Copenhagen, when the world’s nations meet to agree on a new climate treaty. Right now, they’re not planning to do enough. But we can change that—if we mobilize the world to swift and bold climate action, which is what we're planning to do on October 24th.

"The Edge of the Sea" film

2009-10-08T13:43:00.000-07:00

"The Edge of The Sea" is a 26 minute documentary film that tells of a group of fishermen and their fight to stop a mega development that would privatize one of the last untouched beaches in the west coast of Puerto Rico. Check out the trailer below.

Produced and Directed by Maria Jose Calderon

Camera and Sound: Molly Snyder-Fink

Music by Melvin López, "Mijo de la Palma"

Production Assistant: Oliver Bencosme

Installation of New Trash Barrels

2009-10-04T08:45:00.000-07:00

Part I: 12 new trash barrels from Domes to Steps

As part of an initiative of our "Sea to Summit" campaign Surfrider Foundation Rincon will be working with local community activists and members to install 12 new trash barrels from Domes to Steps. The materials were funded by Surf 787 Surf School and Surfrider Foundation Rincon. This is the first part of a two part series. This coming weekend, October 10th 2009, anyone who wishes to help in the installation of 12 trash barrels needs to meet at Playa Domes at 8am.

We need people to drive to other sites so we can simultaneously install the barrels and complete the work in less time. Types of tools that we need volunteers to bring include: Cordless power drill with various large drill bits, post hole diggers, 5 gallon bucket for mixing cement, cameras, sunblock, water, and shovels.

Below is an image of where the first 12 trash barrels will be installed. DRNA Aquadilla gave us permission to do this work.

Below is an example of what they will look like with an estimation of the scale.

This work is support by the Municipality of Rincon

9 Ways We Can Save the Ocean, and Save Ourselves

2009-10-04T08:22:00.000-07:00

After all, it covers three-quarters of the planet...

By Mickey Z.
Astoria, NY, USA | Thu Jul 16 17:29:00 GMT 2009

Peter Benchley, author of Jaws, and a man who knew a thing or two about oceans, once said: "If we kill everything in the ocean, and if we pollute the ocean to a point where it can't sustain life, we're committing suicide." Perhaps the most important aspect of Benchley's warning is his use of the word "we." Over 40% of the world's oceans are heavily impacted by human activities with few areas—if any—left unaffected by anthropogenic factors. This means we humans—and what we deem civilization—have played a major role in the despoiling of the earth's oceans. It's not some unstoppable force of nature or preordained theology that 90% of the large fish are gone or that the world's worst polluter is the U.S. Department of Defense. Human decisions have led us to where we are now and new human decisions are needed to forge a new, more logical and compassionate path. After all, the health of the ocean reflects the health of the planet. David McNew/Getty Images

Did you know that 80% of all life on Earth is found in the oceans and those same maltreated oceans provide vital sources of protein, energy, and minerals? To that, the folks at Greenpeace add: "The rolling of the sea across the planet creates over half our oxygen, drives weather systems and natural flows of energy and nutrients around the world, transports water masses many times greater than all the rivers on land combined, and keeps the Earth habitable. Without the global ocean there would be no life on Earth."

9 Ways We Can Save the Ocean, and Save Ourselves

1. Save the whales:

Since 5000 B.C., humans have seen fit to hunt these magnificent marine mammals. The results, predictably, have been disastrous for whales and the ocean. Greenpeace reports: "The blue whales of the Antarctic are at less than 1 percent of their original abundance, despite 40 years of complete protection.” Sure, the phrase "save the whales" may sound like punch line but unless we take action, this is no joke. Any creature as large as a whale plays a large role in the delicate balance of the ocean food chain. When that balance is upset, the impact hits us all. Whale eat zooplankton, zooplankton eat phytoplankton, phytoplankton remove carbon from the atmosphere, we have too much carbon in the atmosphere. If whales don't eat zooplankton (because they don't exist) we'll have overgrowth and lose our essential carbon cleaning phytoplankton. See how it's all connected?

2. Save the sharks, too:

As reported by the Humane Society International, between 50 and 100 million sharks are killed each year around the world. Many of these sharks are unintended "by-catch" by vessels fishing for high-value species such as swordfish and tuna, but every year, millions of sharks are increasingly a target for their fins. Sharks may not be the most lovable creature in the oceans, but they need our help. Without such top-of-food-chain predators the ocean's balance cannot exist.

3. Say no to drilling:

Among many other problems, offshore drilling results in a wide range of health and reproductive problems for fish and other marine life, exposes wildlife to the threat of oil spills, and destroys kelp beds, reefs, and coastal wetlands. Let's step up, folks, this is our fight, too.

4. Offer reef relief:

"Coral reefs are made predominantly of stony corals and supported by the limestone skeleton they excrete,” says Jennifer Horton of HowStuffWorks.com. "These rainforests of the sea are home to a quarter of all marine fish species. In addition to the variety of marine life they support, coral reefs are also immensely beneficial to humans, buffeting coastal regions from strong waves and storms, providing millions of people with food and jobs and prompting advances in modern medicine." All too predictably, human behavior is their biggest threat and 70 percent of coral reefs may be gone in less than 40 years if the present rate of destruction continues. To help conjure up solutions, educate yourself and get involved now.

5. Reduce your carbon footprint:

Yep, whether it's ocean acidification or disappearing kelp forest or sea level rise, climate change is a player and therefore all the same suggestions hold true. Until we lower our carbon footprint, real change is not possible.

6. No more plastic bottles:

The planet's largest landfill is floating in the North Pacific Ocean. Thanks to swirling ocean currents, much of the world's trash has accumulated into this part of the Pacific Ocean. How much trash? According to HowStuffWorks.com, every square mile of ocean hosts 46,000 pieces of floating plastic and plastic constitutes 90% of all trash floating in the world's oceans. Step one: Kick the plastic bottle habit.

7. Practice green surfing:

Surfing—unlike, say, motor boats and jet skis—requires the participant to commune with the ocean and trust its power. Even so, like everything else, it could be greener. Listen to the folks at GreenSurf.org: "Traveling to surf can produce a lot of CO2 emissions, and this is what's driving global warming, which spells big trouble for our ocean environments and surf spots." Their answer is the CarbonFree Surfing program, which allows you dudes and dudettes "to calculate the CO2 footprint of your next surf trip, and then to offset it's climate impact with an online donation (tax deductible) that supports the purchase of CO2 offsets, from climate-friendly projects like reforestation in Nicaragua or even clean power from renewable power projects." Perhaps the best place to learn about the green surfing movement is the Surfrider Foundation.

8. Be kind to your beach:

We humans love the beach but that doesn't mean we're always kind to the beach. Our indifference can result in beach erosion and widespread pollution. Don't litter, don't leave trash at the beach, don't use the beach as a toilet, and get involved in beach clean-up.

Erik Snyder/Getty Images

9. Cut back on fish, eat sustainable fish, or quit eating fish completely:

Overfishing is a huge component of the ocean's decline. Those opting for a vegan diet have already eliminated the justification for destructive practices like trawling. The equation couldn't be any simpler: if humans choose to not eat fish, or choose sustainable fish in moderate quantities, the ocean's fish population will have a chance to return. In addition, show some support for the Greenpeace plan to protect 40% of the world's oceans as Marine Reserves.

Photos of Limpieza Internacional de Costas 2009

2009-09-24T19:04:00.000-07:00

Last week a group of more than 20 volunteers came out to clean Playa Marias as part of the International Coastal Cleanup day. The Playa Marias site was one of 6 being cleaned in Rincon, and one of hundreds being cleaned around Puerto Rico; The other sites around Rincon were Sandy Beach, Domes, Steps, the Balneario, and Barrio. All the volunteers enjoyed the time spent and effort put forth to help restore and maintain a better beach environment in Rincon. A feeling of gratification was evident knowing that at the same time volunteers all around the world were working simultaneously (more or less) to improve Earth's coastal habitats. Surfrider Foundation Rincon would like to thank Scuba Dogs for their continued passion towards beach and ocean conservation, the municipality of Rincon for their help, and all of the volunteers that made it truely possible. Thanks!

Un espacio para el periodismo ambiental

2009-09-22T10:53:00.000-07:00

Por Mariam Ludim Rosa Vélez
mariamludim@uprm.edu
PRENSA RUM

Los periodistas ciudadanos ambientales

El Taller de Periodismo Con Ciencia agrupó a colegiales de los departamentos de Estudios Hispánicos, Inglés, Arte, Humanidades, Psicología, Biología, Ingeniería Química, Ciencias Marinas y Ciencias Sociales. Igualmente, participaron egresados del RUM y colaboradores de Sea Grant y del Centro Interdisciplinario de Estudios del Litoral.

La graduación en el último brinco

Desde junio hasta septiembre, los participantes del taller tomaron los cursos que les permitieron lanzarse a un proyecto periodístico multimedios. Ya constituidos como un equipo de trabajo, a finales del mes de agosto, asumieron el reto de documentar periodísticamente una noticia ambiental.

Se trató de la limpieza del cuerpo de agua conocido como El último brinco en el sector Calvache de Rincón. “Es un área que tiene el potencial para ser desarrollado para ecoturismo, hay áreas verdes, un cuerpo de agua, distintas especies de aves, hay árboles que crean sombra para pasar el día, caminar, dispersión y ocio. Parte de nuestra experiencia allí, fue conocer esta área y al darnos cuenta que tiene este potencial y que hay personas que tienen el interés de que el lugar surja como una nueva área de recreación, nos dirigimos a hacer esta noticia”, explicó Oliver Bencosme, uno de los participantes del taller, quien labora como diseñador gráfico de Sea Grant.

Para mas information haga clic aqui.

Lionfish Threaten Coral Reef Devastation in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

2009-09-13T18:58:00.000-07:00

Lionfish Invasion: Super Predator Threatens Caribbean Coral Reefs

By: Mark Hixon, Mark Albins, and Tori Redinger

Indo-Pacific lionfish are rapidly invading the waters of the Caribbean and tropical Atlantic. Due to their population explosion and aggressive behavior, lionfish have the potential to become the most disastrous marine invasion in history by drastically reducing the abundance of coral reef fishes and leaving behind a devastated ecosystem. Dr. Mark Hixon and his team from Oregon State University with support from NOAA’s Undersea Research Program (NURP) have embarked on the first studies to measure the severity of the crisis posed by this invasive predator.

While complete eradication does not seem realistic, affected nations are encouraged to initiate targeted lionfish control efforts as soon as possible, including targeted fisheries (lionfish flesh is tasty and cooking denatures the spine venom). Efforts to reduce densities of lionfish at key locations may help to lessen their ecological impacts. Recovering and maintaining healthy populations of potential native predators of lionfish, such as large grouper and sharks, may also help reduce the deleterious effects of these voracious invasive predators.

If you see a Lionfish while diving make an attempt to remove it from the reef with a spear, net, or any other safe apparatus. Do not touch the spines. If you are unsuccessful please report your sighting here online. Or, report any lionfish catches to NOAA at (252) 728-8714 or emailreportlionfish@noaa.gov

Diver info PDF
Angler info PDF

Limpeiza Internacional de Costas 19 de septiembre 2009

2009-09-12T11:18:00.000-07:00

Sabado 19 de Septiembre 8 por la manana a Playa Marias

Unete a la
Limpieza Internacional de Costas sábado, 19 de septiembre de 2009, para limpiar a todo Puerto Rico. Este es el esfuerzo de conservación más impactante en el mundo limpiando cerca de 100 países este mismo día bajo la dirección del
Ocean Conservancy.

Especie invasora atenta contra el coquí

2009-08-27T04:46:00.000-07:00

Por Yulia Nil Cedeño y Gerardo Cordero / El Nuevo Dia
Científico señala que las gallinas de palo han variado su dieta herbívora.

El coquí ya no puede cantar despreocupado en los campos de Borinquen porque un depredador invasor ha llegado a su hábitat.

Se trata de la Iguana iguana o gallina de palo, que en los pasados 20 años se ha reproducido de forma acelerada en Puerto Rico, país al que arribó como simpática mascota de personas que luego las liberaron, seguramente sin imaginar que con el paso del tiempo se convertirían en un riesgo para la flora y la fauna nativa.

Y es que lejos de la inofensiva imagen de sus primeros años como llamativas mascotas exóticas, ahora se sabe que el reptil "no es un angelito", porque además de yerba puede comer huevos de aves, pichones y hasta coquíes, según el doctor Rafael Joglar, biólogo especializado en anfibios y reptiles, quien ha encabezado las primeras investigaciones sobre la gallina de palo en Puerto Rico.
sondeo

Joglar explicó que aquí la situación es compleja porque son escasos los depredadores de la gallina de palo. En el limitado grupo de aquellos que entiende pueden atacar y aniquilarlas figuran el guaraguao, el zorzal pardo, la garza real y el perro doméstico. Irónicamente, en su lugar de origen la gallina de palo tiene hasta 41 depredadores.

El profesor Joglar explicó que la Iguana iguana es una especie nativa de Centro y Suramérica que probablemente fue introducida en Puerto Rico durante los años setenta, cuando las importaban como mascotas y las vendían sin mayores limitaciones en las tiendas de animales.

Veer mas fotos aqui

Acontecimiento Alrededor de Puerto Rico

2009-08-27T04:33:00.000-07:00

Sólo para adinerados Riviera del Caribe
Así se lo informó el director ejecutivo a vecinos de Ceiba.

Por Pedro Bosque Pérez / pbosque@elnuevodia.com

El director ejecutivo del proyecto Riviera del Caribe, Jaime González, instó en una reunión reciente con residentes de Ceiba a conformarse con ver sólo a personas adineradas comprando en las tiendas y beneficiándose del redesarrollo de la antigua base naval Roosevelt Road.

Una de las propuestas para Riviera del Caribe es que cerca del puerto a donde llegarán los cruceros se construya una marina para lanchas rápidas que transportarán a personas con mayor poder adquisitivo a las islas municipio de Vieques y Culebra. Esa marina también podrá ser usada por los dueños de yates de más de 50 pies de eslora.

el nuevo dia

Protect the Northeast Ecological Corridor Nature Reserve

2009-08-24T18:56:00.000-07:00

Northeast Ecological Corridor Nature Reserve in Peril

Take Action!

Speak Up for Leatherback Sea Turtles!

In April 2008, Surfrider Foundation and a coalition of partners celebrated the designation of Puerto Rico's Northeast Ecological Corridor (NEC) as a Nature Reserve, after a nearly 10 year campaign to protect this extraordinary natural area from the construction of the Dos Mares J.W. Marriott Resort and the San Miguel Four Seasons Resort. Besides being one of the Caribbean's biodiversity hotspots with over 50 rare, threatened, and endemic species, the NEC holds one of the most important nesting beaches for Leatherback sea turtles in the U.S. This victory also helped maintain public access to La Selva, one of the best surfing spots in the northeast coast of Puerto Rico.

Unfortunately, the NEC is in danger once again. Disregarding the NEC's extraordinary natural value and historical conservation efforts, the recently elected Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Luis G. Fortuño, is considering to eliminate the NEC to make way for the construction of residential and tourism projects in the area.

These photos show whats at stake.

Email the Governor of Puerto Rico, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, NOAA's Administrator and the Chief of the U.S. Forest Service to protect the Northeast Ecological Corridor Nature Reserve.

Take Action!

Programa Sea Grant favorece ley de costas claras

2009-08-23T18:55:00.000-07:00

As reported by the Associated Press
en el Vocero de Puerto Rico
14 de agosto de 2009 11:00 am

MAYAGUEZ - El director del Programa Sea Grant del recinto de Mayagüez de la Universidad de Puerto Rico, Ruperto Chaparro, dio la bienvenida a una nueva ley de costas que defina claramente la zona marítimo terrestre al tiempo que proteja el patrimonio.

Actualmente, la zona marítimo terrestre incluye el espacio de costa bañado por el mar, en donde son sensibles las mareas y las mayores olas en los temporales, así como los terrenos ganados al mar y las márgenes de los ríos. Pero el Reglamento 17 de la Junta de Planificación sobre la zonificación de las costas especifica una “zona de separación” que prohíbe construir en una faja de 50 metros de ancho desde la zona marítimo terrestre.

Una propuesta del representante Carlos “Johnny” Méndez (foto) establecería por ley que la zona marítimo terrestre “nunca será menos de 50 metros”. EL VOCERO/Archivo

haga clic aqui para mas informacion

Domes Day in August

2009-08-12T05:47:00.000-07:00

Recently, a soccer team from Key West High School in Florida came to Puerto Rico for a soccer tournament and hoped to participate in a community service event in Rincon during their trip. Their coach Jason Clifford contacted SF Rincon to organize this event, a few months prior, in order for the students to fulfill their school's community service requirements. We happily accepted their generosity to come to Rincon to fulfill their community service requirements and we chose Playa Domes as the event site. The event was a huge success given the students resilience to the tropical heat and hard work. After a morning of working, Playa Domes was clean and the hillside was cleared allowing the native trees and plants to thrive more readily.

At this time SF Rincon would like to thank Jason Cliford and his team from Key West High School, along with his chaperones, for making this event possible. SF Rincon would also like to thank the local volunteers that made it out and the Municipality of Rincon for their help providing a trash container for the debris and picking up the leaf and branch litter after the event. Thank you all!

EPA fines 6 towns over stormwater handling

2009-07-23T07:17:00.000-07:00

As reported by John Marino for Caribbean Business

marino@caribbeanbusinesspr.com

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) filed complaints against six island municipalities for failing to comply with federal Clean Water Act requirements related to stormwater management for small municipal sewer systems.

The six municipalities, which face a total $291,177 in fines, are: Cayey, Hatillo, Las Piedras, Loíza, Río Grande and Toa Alta.

“In order to prevent harmful discharges from their sewer systems, EPA is forcing these six municipalities to comply with federal clean water laws,” said EPA Acting Regional Administrator George Pavlou. “Discharges from small municipal sewer systems can contaminate drinking water and recreational waterways, impairing these valuable resources.”

EPA ordered the municipalities to comply with stormwater requirements for sewer systems earlier this year after they were unable to provide evidence to EPA of compliance following a request in 2007.

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, established under the federal Clean Water Act, controls water pollution by regulating sources that discharge pollutants to waters in the United States. Municipalities are required to apply for NPDES permit coverage in order to operate the sewer systems, EPA officials said. Under this permit, operators are required to develop and implement a stormwater management program to reduce the discharge of pollutants to the maximum extent practicable to protect water quality. A total of 70 municipalities in Puerto Rico are currently subject to these requirements.

Municipal stormwater discharges are of concern because they often contain high concentrations of pollutants like fertilizers, pesticides, oil, litter and sediments, EPA officials said. Stormwater runoff picks up and transports untreated pollutants into waterways. Municipal stormwater discharges can result in the destruction of habitat, fish mortality, and contamination of drinking water supplies and recreational waterways.

The breakdown in fines are: Cayey, $48,920; Hatillo, $48,071; Las Piedras, $47,738; Loíza, $47,409; Río Grande, $49,393; and Toa Alta, $49,646.

NOAA Announces PR Coral Reef Fellowship

2009-07-14T14:21:00.000-07:00

NOAA is seeking applicants for a newly created PR Coral Reef Management Fellowship.

The goal of this fellowship assignment is to support the DNER on several tasks pertaining to the PR Coral Reef Program and natural reserves management plans.

The local community of Rincon, with support from the Surfrider Foundation, has been very involved in the process to establish the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve and to develop a Management Plan for the site. As a representative of DNER, the fellow will work with the community to begin implementation of this plan with an emphasis on an outreach and education program with community involvement in related activities.

The fellowship starts January 2010 and will end January 2012.

Applications are due by July 31, 2009.

Details on the fellowship and application process can be downloaded here

VISTA PUBLICA / PUBLIC HEARING

2009-07-08T11:12:00.000-07:00

en español abajo

Tres Palmas Marine Reserve
Public Hearing on the Management Plan

The Puerto Rico Planning Board and the Department of Natural Resrouces are holding a public hearing on the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve Management Plan

Thursday July 30
10:00 am
Municipal Assembly Room - Casa Alcaldía del Municipio de Rincón.

Read the Public Notice

Learn more about the Management Plan or Download the Plan itself

La Junta de Planificación de Puerto Rico y Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales de Puerto Rico celebraran una

VISTA PUBLICA

sobre el Plan de Manejo de la Reserva Marina Tres Palmas de Rincón

el día 30 de julio de 2009
a las 10:00am
en el Salón de la legislatura Municipal de la Casa Alcaldía del Municipio de Rincón.

Aprende más sobre el Plan de Manejo o Baja el Plan

Aviso en español

Aquatic Art Exhibit Opens

2009-07-06T08:59:00.000-07:00

en español

The Rincon of the Seas Hotel lobby came alive with 39 colorful aquatic paintings during the student art opening on June 25, 2009. The talented artists, all junior high school and high school students from Rincon, brought their friends and family that evening to enjoy the unique art, appetizers, the "Porta Coeli Jazz" band, and the launching of a coral reef lesson book created with their art.

The bright canvases are hung along the hotel lobby's walls beautifying it and giving a positive environmental message to the community. All the students in the exhibit had attended two all-day workshops on coral reef lessons, ocean conservation, and painting in March. The ocean-themed paintings they produced during the workshops were weaved into a coral reef lesson book which was handed out at the exhibit to all who attended.

This project sponsored by Surfrider Foundation and NOAA's Marine Debris Program is the educational component of the ambitious community driven program "Coral Reef Protection through Marine Debris Removal at Reserva Marina Tres Palmas," where more than 475 tires have been removed in the last 2 years, among other debris.

If you haven't seen the show it will be up until July 9. You can pick up a copy of the book at the hotel front desk.

Everyone enjoyed the wonderful live jazz provided by "Porta Coeli Jazz" from San German, we thank them. Many thanks to Rincon of the Seas who sponsored the exhibit and the appetizers. Special thanks to Arnaldo Ruiz, Lizandra Ayala, Victor, and front desk staff at the hotel. Thanks to everyone who participated and helped make this happen, specially the students and their family. Thanks to Leon and Ali Richter for handling the book printing efforts.

If you are a business owner, teacher, or school and want copies of the book (while supplies last) to hand out contact us at 787 823 2784.

AB

2009-06-05T09:07:00.000-07:00

Celebramos ''International Surfing Day'' y el Solsticio del Verano

Celebrate ''International Surfing Day'' & the Summer Solstice

6.20.2009 Playa Steps @ 8 am - 1 pm

Este día nos da una ocasión de promover y de celebrar el deporte mientras que trae conocimiento al estado de nuestros océanos y playas.

Created by SURFING Magazine, this unofficial, official surfers' holiday gives us a chance to promote and celebrate the sport while bringing awareness to the state of our oceans and beaches

El municipio de Rincon y la Fundacion Surfrider les invitana a

Limpieza de Playa Steps / Beach Cleanup at Steps Beach

@ 8AM

PALETEO / PADDLE - Steps > El Faro > Steps

@ 10AM

''POT LUCK'' - Almuerzo/Lunch - Playa Steps en Rincon

@ 12PM

Trae tu tabla, plato favorito, y un amigo

Bienvenidos Todos

Reduce, Reusa, Recicla: Trae Tu Plato, Vaso Reusable, y una silla gracias

Bring your board, favorite dish, and a friend

Everyone Welcome!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: bring your own reusable lunch plate, a glass, and a chair.

Habran regalos, bolsas, guantes para los particpantes.

Para mas informacion/for more Info 787.823.2784 o salvatrespalmas@yahoo.com

Aquatic Art Show

2009-06-01T09:06:00.000-07:00

Save the Date
for the
Acuatic Art Exhibit
Opening June 25, 2009
7-9pm
Rincón of the Seas Hotel

This project is sponsored by NOAA's Marine Debris Program and is part of the educational component of the ambitious community driven program "Coral Reef Protection through Marine Debris Removal at Reserva Marina Tres Palmas," where more than 475 tires have been removed, among other debris.

Rincón Students Study the Changing Coastline

2009-05-25T18:03:00.000-07:00

On May 18th, students from the Manuel García Pérez Highschool presented the results of their studies on Rincón's changing coastlines. During the last school semester and with help and support from CIEL and SeaGrant, the students studied historical changes in the coastline. In addition to visiting the different beaches, students interviewed local residents. The results were presented to a group that included Mayor Carlos López that assembled at the Cooperativa de Ahorro y Crédito de Rincón who commented that the students' findings paralleled those of the USGS.

Learn more about the project and the presentation at CIEL's blog.

Memorias de la Costa

por: Carlos J. Carrero Morales

El martes 18 de mayo de 2009 en la noche, un grupo de estudiantes de la Escuela Superior Manuel García Pérez de Rincón, se dieron cita en el salón de actividades de la Cooperativa de Ahorro y Crédito de Rincón para informarle a la comunidad de este pueblo las diversas transformaciones de la costa de Rincón en los últimos años.

Como parte de un programa de integración curricular de los cursos de Investigación Científica e Historia de Puerto Rico y con el apoyo del Centro Interdisciplinario de Estudios del Litoral (CIEL) y el Programa Sea Grant, los estudiantes estuvieron durante el pasado semestre realizando una investigación sobre los cambios en la costa de Rincón titulado Historia y Condiciones de las Playas y Costas de Rincón .

Leer mas

Aquatic Art Workshop was a Success!

2009-05-20T16:31:00.000-07:00

en español

Everyone had a great time and had an opportunity to show off their artistic talents during the art workshop

Thirty-nine vibrant paintings were completed on the second day of the Aquatic Art workshop offered March 28 at the Jorge Seda Crespo Middle School in Rincón. The young painters also worked on 2 collective canvases and on a giant 70" x 30" coral reef drawing designed by Wess Merten.

At the moment we are creating an "Aquatic Art" coral reef lesson book illustrated with the 39 student paintings done in both workshops. The book will soon be going off to the printer to later be handed out to the students on June 25th (from 7-9 pm) when we will inaugurate the awaited "Aquatic Art" exhibit at the Rincón of the Seas Hotel. We'll keep you informed...

This project sponsored by NOAA's Marine Debris Program is the educational component of the ambitious community driven program "Coral Reef Protection through Marine Debris Removal at Reserva Marina Tres Palmas", where more than 475 tires have been removed, among other debris.

Many thanks to: Nicole Hoover, Wess Merten, Patchouly Banks, Oliver Bencosme, photography by Producciones Burracas, Cuqui González, Alex Henriques, Miriam Pérez, Miriam Juan, Leon Richter, Allison Jones, Freyda Zell, Bermie Ruiz

- AB